Huntington Beach City School District

In 2021, California launched the Children and Youth Behavioral Initiative (CYBHI) to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of students across the state

The goal is to make it easier for students to access wellness and behavioral health support during the school day—where they already spend most of their time.

Through this initiative, school districts can partner with trusted healthcare providers (including Medi-Cal and private insurance) to offer supportive services like screenings, mental health counseling, and social-emotional learning—all at no cost to families.

At Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD), we believe that a child’s overall well-being—mental, emotional, and physical—is key to their success in school and life.

Thanks to CYBHI, we’re now able to receive funding (called reimbursement) for many of the health-related services we already provide to students.  This helps us continue offering supports—even with budget constraints—without asking families to pay.

CYBHI allows health plans to help cover the cost of several school-based services for students, such as:

• Social-emotional lessons in the classroom
• Individual or group counseling focused on topics like stress, anxiety, grief, friendships, and building healthy habits
• Behavioral and mental health screenings and assessments
• Helping students and families connect with care providers outside of school if needed

These services are designed to be preventive, supportive, and student-centered, not diagnostic or medical in nature.  They are here to supplement the care families already receive in the community, not replace it.

No.  Your insurance coverage will not be changed, charged, or impacted in any way by using these school-based supports.

California law clearly states that: 

• No co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs will be charged for CYBHI services
• Insurance companies cannot change your plan rates because your child receives these services at school

This means free support for your child, with no impact on your current coverage.

Yes.  Your family’s privacy and confidentiality are very important to us.

Any health or insurance information you provide to the school will be:

• Securely stored
• Kept confidential 
• Only shared as allowed under federal and state laws, including:
  • FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
  • HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

Starting in Summer of 2025, you will be asked to provide your health insurance or Medi-Cal information during the annual data confirmation process or for any new student enrollment.

This information is only used to help the District receive reimbursement for eligible services.  It will never result in a bill to you.

No.  This initiative does not change what services your child receives, only how schools receive funding for providing certain services.  

If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program), their services will not be affected.  This program does not replace or interfere with special education services. 

We understand that families may have different beliefs, experiences, or cultural perspectives about mental health services.

Participation in school-based services or supports that go beyond what is offered to all students is completely voluntary.  Parent or guardian permission is always required before providing these additional services.  Our goal is to offer resources—not to replace the care your family already uses or pressure you into anything that doesn’t feel right for your child.

We’re here to help.  Please contact our Student Services Department at studentservices@hbcsd.us.