“I have a student who needs extra support because of social and emotional challenges,” says Lexi Hagedorn, a local parent. “When there aren’t enough resources, it really affects them.”
In California, a significant push is underway to improve mental health services for students. The state has put around $5 billion into a plan aimed at better supporting the mental and behavioral health of students and their families.
Melanie Crawford, director of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, highlights the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), which has been working in schools for five years. This year, new developments are finally taking shape. One key element is the CYBHI Fee Schedule. This program allows schools to get reimbursed by health insurance for the mental health services they already provide. “This is a sustainable way for districts to maintain and even expand their supports,” Crawford explains.
San Luis Coastal Unified School District is stepping up first, with plans for other districts to follow. The initiative will also introduce a new role—Certified Wellness Coaches—who will help students at school, adding a crucial layer of support before kids see counselors.
Lexi Hagedorn, who has two kids in the local school system, has felt the effects of a shortage in mental health resources. “Our school counselor is now part-time because of budget cuts. It’s tough when parents like us work full time and can’t find help outside school hours. This new initiative could really make a difference.”
Recent surveys show that over 40% of parents express concerns about access to mental health services for their children. The importance of in-school support is becoming more evident as many families struggle to find time to address these issues outside school.
For more details on the initiative, you can visit the official CYBHI page here.
