• California's program allowing schools to bill for mental health services is delayed, affecting funding and service delivery.
• Schools are facing potential layoffs of newly hired mental health staff due to delayed reimbursements.
• State officials attribute delays to the complexity of implementation and a 'learning curve' for both the state and schools.

California's Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule Program, intended to expand mental health services in schools by allowing them to bill Medi-Cal and private insurance, is facing significant delays. Only 14 school districts have started billing, while many others are struggling with the implementation process due to slow guidance and training from the state. This has led to potential layoffs of mental health staff and concerns about reduced access to services for students amid increasing mental health needs.

• What: Delays in the implementation of California's Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule Program, which allows schools to bill for mental health services.
• Who: California Department of Health Care Services, school districts, county offices of education, students, mental health staff, state legislators, Gov. Gavin Newsom.
• When: Implementation began in January 2024, with billing expected to start in July 2024. Delays are ongoing as of May 2025.
• Where: California, specifically K-12 schools and colleges throughout the state.

The delays in the program highlight the challenges of implementing large-scale initiatives across diverse educational institutions. The lack of timely guidance and training has created obstacles for schools, potentially undermining the state's investment in youth mental health. The disagreement between state officials and local education leaders regarding the status of claim payouts raises concerns about transparency and communication. The request for bridge funding by lawmakers underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure the continuity of mental health services for students.

There are so many unknowns and the timelines just keep getting pushed. And that’s really sad because it has so much potential.

Because we didn’t receive reimbursement for a single claim until 15 months after (starting program implementation) … as of March we were forced to pink slip 27 of our staff. So 27 of the approximately 50 that we hired.

This is a significant change for the entire system, and changes of this magnitude take time. There is still work to be done, but I do think we are making progress.

This is brand new for schools. It is imperative on us, as government, to lead them in the right path if we want them to take on something that’s completely out of their scope.

California's effort to bolster mental health services in schools through a new billing program is facing significant hurdles. Delays in implementation are impacting school budgets and potentially limiting access to care for students. While the state acknowledges the challenges and is working to address them, the program's success hinges on improved communication, timely guidance, and adequate support for schools navigating the new system. The long-term impact on student mental health remains to be seen.