The following services and terms describe supports that may be provided to students as part of the school-based mental health and behavioral health services. Some of these services may be reimbursable to the District under the CYBHI School-Linked Fee Schedule, as permitted by California law.
Anger Support
Anger Support is structured assistance provided to students who struggle with managing frustration or anger in healthy ways.
This may include:
- Identifying emotional triggers
- Practicing calming techniques (deep breathing, grounding exercises)
- Learning safe expression of emotions
- Role-playing positive conflict resolution
Example: A student who frequently reacts physically during peer conflict participates in weekly sessions to build emotional regulation skills.
Assessment
An Assessment is a structured process used by qualified school staff to determine a student’s level of need and appropriate support.
Assessments may include:
- Suicide risk assessments
- Evaluations following behavioral incidents
- Determining whether a higher level of care is needed
- Reviewing emotional or behavioral concerns impacting school performance
Example: A student expressing feelings of hopelessness is assessed to determine immediate safety needs and next steps.
An assessment does not automatically result in a diagnosis.
Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health includes mental health and substance use, as well as behaviors that affect emotional and physical well-being.
It addresses:
- Anxiety and depression
- Emotional regulation challenges
- Trauma-related responses
- Substance use concerns
- Behavior patterns affecting academic success
Behavioral health connects emotional well-being with academic and social development.
Case Management
Case Management involves coordinating services to ensure students and families access appropriate support.
This may include:
- Connecting families to outside providers
- Monitoring follow-through on referrals
- Coordinating with teachers and administrators
- Supporting transitions between levels of care
Example: A counselor connects a family with a community therapist and follows up to confirm services were initiated.
Care Coordination
Care Coordination is collaboration among school staff, families, and outside providers to align supports and ensure consistency.
Example: A school counselor collaborates with a community mental health provider to reinforce coping strategies during the school day.
Check-Ins
Check-Ins are brief, structured meetings to monitor emotional well-being and reinforce coping skills.
Example: A student recovering from a crisis meets weekly for short progress check-ins.
Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)
The Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a statewide California effort to improve access to mental health and substance use services for children and youth up to age 25.
Confidentiality
Student information is protected under:
- Family Code § 6924 (Minor Consent)
- FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g)
- HIPAA (45 CFR Parts 160 & 164)
Information is shared only when legally permitted and necessary to ensure safety and care.
Crisis
A Crisis is a situation in which a student is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.
Examples:
- Expressing intent to self-harm
- Threatening serious harm to others
- Severe emotional breakdown
Crisis protocols prioritize safety and stabilization.
CYBHI School-Linked Fee Schedule
Is a statewide reimbursement structure created by the State of California that allows school districts to be reimbursed for certain outpatient mental health and substance use services provided to students.
Education & Training Services
Structured, skill-building services that strengthen emotional resilience and coping capacity.
Examples:
- Anxiety management workshops
- Emotional regulation lessons
- Substance use prevention education
- Conflict resolution training
These services are preventive and instructional in nature.
Grief Support
Services provided to students experiencing loss.
Example: A support group for students who have lost a family member.
Group Counseling / Therapy
Structured therapeutic sessions involving multiple students addressing shared concerns.
Example: A six-week anxiety coping skills group.
Health Behavior Interventions
Supports aimed at improving behaviors affecting emotional or physical health.
Example: Assisting a student experiencing stress-related physical symptoms during testing.
Homicidal Ideation
Thoughts about harming another person. All threats are assessed immediately using established safety protocols.
Individual Counseling / Therapy
One-on-one structured sessions with a qualified mental health professional.
Example: Weekly sessions addressing trauma-related anxiety.
Mental Health
Emotional, psychological, and social well-being affecting thinking, coping, and relationships.
Referral
Connecting students and families to outside providers when higher levels of care are necessary.
Example: Referral to outpatient therapy or substance use treatment.
Screening
Brief tools used to identify potential emotional or behavioral concerns.
Example: A standardized depression questionnaire.
Screenings are not diagnoses.
Skill-Building
Structured instruction in coping strategies and emotional regulation.
Example: Teaching grounding exercises to manage panic symptoms.
Social-Emotional Groups
Group-based support focused on emotional awareness and relationship skills.
Example: A peer communication skills group.
Substance Use
Use of alcohol, drugs, or substances that may impact emotional or behavioral functioning.
Under CYBHI, substance use prevention and early intervention are included.
Example: Early intervention support for a student experimenting with alcohol.
Suicidal Ideation
Thoughts about self-harm or wanting to die. All concerns are assessed immediately.
Warning Signs of Suicide
Indicators such as withdrawal, hopelessness, or sudden behavioral changes.
Whole Child Approach
An approach recognizing that academic success is connected to emotional, physical, and social wellness.
