Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)?
Over the last several years, the mental health needs of district students have increased significantly. Many families have expressed that they cannot find solutions in the community or through their health plans. The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) aims to increase access to mental health services for families that wish to receive these services for their students. It also ensures that when families choose to receive services through the district, that health insurance companies pay the costs rather than the school district and the community. As families opt into school-linked health services, these will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the family and will be reimbursed through the health insurance plan of the family. There will never be a copayment or deductible for these services, but, this allows students and families that want mental wellness services to receive them with less impact to the district budget. It also improves access to services for anyone who desires to benefit. Again, these services will be optional, but all families will be eligible for these services, regardless of what health insurance plan they carry. Additionally, if a student does not have health insurance, they will not be denied services.
What services are available through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Program?
The services referred to under this program and offered by our schools are: Screenings and Assessments, Mental Wellness Services (individual, group, and family therapy), Behavioral Health Services (assessments and interventions), Crisis Intervention Services (emergency mental health care), Case Management and Service Coordination, and Substance Use Services.
Will my family be charged for any services?
No, your family WILL NOT be charged any costs or co-payments for services provided by the school. Your health insurance benefits WILL NOT be impacted or affected.
Why is my insurance or Medi-Cal information needed?
The state of California is requiring all districts that are participating in the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) program to collect health insurance information, including Medi-Cal information, from all families whether they receive services or not. Additionally, having insurance on file, allows the district and families to be prepared in the event of an emergency. The district needs this information to comply with the statewide law to reimburse the district for services provided to students who may need socio-emotional or mental health support.
What if we do not have health insurance?
If your family does not have health insurance, please indicate so during PJUSD’s online enrollment process in the fall. There will be an option to indicate that you do not have health insurance coverage. If you wish for your child to receive services through the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) program at our school sites, they can still do so without health insurance coverage.
Does providing this information mean the school will bill my insurance?
The school district has partnered with a third party (Carelon) who will work directly with insurance and medical claims, and handle the administration of the billing as guided by law within the CYBHI initiative. You WILL NOT personally be charged any costs or co-payments.
Will I receive an explanation of benefits from my health insurance company?
No. Under the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) program, explanations of benefits will be suppressed. Again, you WILL NOT be charged any costs or co-payments should services be provided.
What if we do not wish to participate in the CYBHI program or services?
California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) services are optional, and your child does not have to participate in the program or services. CYBHI billable services include but are not limited to, individual counseling, group counseling, and brief check-ins. If individual services are recommended, your child’s school will require parents consent of services that will provide information on the services provided. For brief check-in’s, a passive (opt out in advance) will be requested in advance of participation. Students will not receive services without consent. However, health insurance, and/or Medi-Cal collection, is required of all families.
Will my child be automatically referred for support?
No, your child will only be checked in if there is a need for socio-emotional support, and we will request general consent during registration for these check-ins.
