Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)

Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)

In the Budget Act of 2021, California launched the Children and Youth Behavioral Initiative (CYBHI). This program focuses on enhancing the physical and behavioral well-being of all students by increasing intervention and prevention services at school, where students spend a majority of their time.  

As a result of the CYBHI initiative, and the State collaboration with private insurance providers, school districts can now receive reimbursement for physical and behavioral health services provided to students during the school day.  This presents a significant opportunity for Exeter Unified School District (EUSD) as we navigate the loss of COVID funding. By receiving reimbursement for services like nursing and behavioral health, we can continue to improve upon the vital services we provide our students.

What does this mean?

EUSD celebrates a strong behavioral health team, including two registered nurses, a licensed vocational nurse at each school site, six psychologists, a marriage and family therapist, a full-time drug and alcohol therapeutic contract, six counselors, and a licensed clinical social worker available three days a week. We recognize the challenges that COVID presented, and continues to present, for our students and families, and we are committed to ensuring our students receive the support they need to feel connected and engaged with school. With the support of CYBHI, we will maintain our current services and enhance our referral system, making it easier for students, staff, and parents to access help promptly.

To initiate the process, the District requires proof of insurance (see attached).  By submitting this form, you are providing consent for the school district to seek reimbursement for any physical or behavioral health services your child receives while at school.  Please note, your insurance will not be billed or notified of services your student receives.  There is no co-pay and no impact to your insurance coverage.  Having insurance is simply the requirement to seek CYBHI funds. As Exeter has been selected to join CYBHI Cohort 3, we are working hard to prepare our billing system in order to start billing in January 2025.  

Please complete the attached form and return it to your student’s school site or email it to [email protected]. If you have any questions, feel free to call Carol Swanson, Director of Student Services, at 592-9421 x 5036. For more information, you can also visit the CYBHI website at https://cybhi.chhs.ca.gov/.

Thank you!

Carol Swanson