At SMMUSD, we believe student mental health is the foundation for academic success. Each of our schools has skilled and caring psychologists and social workers and through the state’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), schools can be reimbursed for the mental health services we already provide. As of January 2026, SMMUSD can now submit claims for reimbursement up to 365 days from the date services were furnished to an eligible student as part of the CYBHI Fee Schedule program.

What does this mean for families?

1. Sustained support. Reimbursement helps us keep school social workers in place, even as many districts cut mental health positions.
2. Same services. Students will continue to receive the same support—this program simply helps cover costs.
3. No insurance? Students without insurance will still receive all needed services.

What if my child does not receive or need direct counseling services?

1. Whole Class Lessons: Social-emotional learning (SEL), coping skills, mindfulness, conflict resolution, digital citizenship.
2. Schoolwide Presentations: Assemblies or workshops on bullying prevention, kindness campaigns, stress management
3. Brief Student Check-ins: One-time or occasional supportive conversations with students (non-therapeutic, problem-solving in nature)
4. Drop-in Support: Responding to a student request to talk (not ongoing counseling).
5. Crisis Triage/Immediate Response: Assessing a student in the moment (e.g., anxiety, grief reaction, peer conflict).
6. Restorative Circles or Conflict Resolution: Facilitating peer conflict resolution or reintegration after suspension.
7. Attendance Interventions: Meeting with students/families as part of SART/SARB to address chronic absenteeism.
8. Re-entry Meetings: After hospitalization, suspension, or significant absence.
9. Teacher/Staff Consultation: Supporting classroom strategies for behavior, attention, or SEL needs.
10. Care Coordination: Referrals and linkage to community-based services (mental health, social services).
11. Case Management: Following up on whether a student accessed services, checking in on progress, documenting outcomes.
12. Parent Engagement & Education: Workshops on child development, stress management, positive behavior supports.
13. Data Review: Using attendance, behavior, and survey data to identify students in need of additional support.

How you can help: