MVWSD is proud to partner with the statewide Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) to expand access to mental health services for students and prioritize early intervention. The good news is that with parents’ help, the cost of these services can be subsidized by California’s health plans and insurers. 

Parents, we need your help to access these additional resources. California’s health plans and insurers are now required to reimburse public schools for covered mental health services provided to students. This means more resources for our students and families! 

Health plans and insurers will pay for mental health services provided to your child in a school-linked setting, and there will not be any out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., co-payments, deductibles) for you and your family. State law prohibits health plans and insurers from passing any of the cost of these services on to families. 

Look for more information soon about how you can securely sign up online to provide your insurance information to help schools get reimbursed to keep our mental health and wellness programs sustainable. 

Resources:

CYBHI Fee Schedule Program Parent and Caregiver Flyer (English)

CYBHI Fee Schedule Program Parent and Caregiver Brochure (English)

CYBHI Fee Schedule Program Parent and Caregiver Flyer (Spanish)

CYBHI Fee Schedule Program Parent and Caregiver Brochure (Spanish)

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What is CYBHI?

The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a comprehensive, multi-year, $4.4 billion initiative launched by the State of California in July 2021. The primary goal is to transform the way California supports the mental health and wellness of children and youth.

How does CYBHI benefit students in school?

It is designed to directly benefit children and families by bringing mental health and wellness services into schools and school-related settings, making care more accessible, comprehensive, and

youth-centered.

Will parents or guardians know if their child is receiving school-based mental health and wellness services?

Yes. As a parent or guardian, you will be informed and your consent will be sought before your child receives ongoing individual mental health services at school. MVWSD requires parents or guardians to sign a consent form before initiating such services.

Why should parents provide private insurance or Medi-Cal information?

While CYBHI is state-funded, private insurance and Medi-Cal offset the costs of services by allowing the school’s mental health providers to create sustainable programs that are not solely reliant on the unpredictability of grant funding.

How much will it cost me?

There will not be any out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., co-payments, deductibles) for you and your family. State law prohibits health plans and insurers from passing any of the cost of these services on to families.

What if we do not have health insurance?

Your child may still receive no-cost mental health services at school. The MVWSD continuum of care is available to all students enrolled and attending MVWSD schools, regardless of insurance status. 

How does CYBHI work?

Under CYBHI, California has established agreements with private insurers and a standardized Multi-Payer Fee Schedule for school-linked mental health and wellness services to ensure that schools receive reimbursement for providing mental health services to students.

How do schools get reimbursed?

Schools deliver eligible behavioral health services to students. These services can include screenings, assessments, therapy, and case management. After delivering services, schools submit claims to the students' health insurance through Carelon, a third-party administrator. The CYBHI Fee Schedule sets standardized reimbursement rates for specific services, ensuring consistent payment across different healthcare plans.

If a student’s policy has service limits, how will this be addressed? Can the student continue to receive services?

Yes. The State of California has partnered with health plans to make sure students can get the mental health and wellness support they need at school. California health plans and insurers are now required to reimburse K-12 school districts, colleges, and universities. State law prohibits health plans and insurers from passing school-based mental health and wellness services on to families. Families will not have any out-of- pocket expenses (i.e. co-payments, deductibles) for school-based mental health and wellness services.

If a student receives mental health support privately, will private insurance fund both?

Yes. If a student receives mental health support outside of school, insurance can still cover school-based services through CYBHI.

Will families receive a bill?

No. Families are not responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments or deductibles, for services provided under this initiative. The law prohibits health plans from passing these costs onto families. MVWSD does not bill families for these services. 

How can parents/guardians help?

Complete consent forms for your child to receive services. Provide insurance information to help schools get reimbursed to keep mental health and wellness programs fiscally sustainable. More information to come regarding sharing your insurance information with the MVWSD Health and Wellness Department. 

Who is going to manage the billing process?

MVWSD has partnered with Care Solace, a reputable agency dedicated to enhancing healthcare accessibility within educational settings. Before initiating services, parents must consent for their child to receive ongoing individual and group mental health and wellness services at school. 

How will health information be protected?

Carelon, Care Solace, and MVWSD adheres to HIPAA standards (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) for these reimbursement activities. MVWSD protects family and student information under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). These laws ensure that your child's information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.

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