The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a five-year, $4.6 billion initiative that is transforming the way California supports children, youth and families.
Built on a foundation of equity and accessibility, the CYBHI works to reimagine a more integrated, youth-centered system that meets the needs of all young people, particularly those who face the greatest systemic barriers to wellness. The initiative’s goal is to enable California kids to find support for their mental health and substance use needs where, when and in the way they need it most.
The initiative’s efforts are created for and by young people and families. Together with partners across sectors and systems, we are meeting young people where they are – such as schools, college campuses and other learning environments – to provide access to mental health and substance use services and supports.
The CYBHI’s goals are grounded in equity, centered on youth, rooted in partnership and collaboration, and dedicated to creating integration across sectors. As we progress, we use a systematic, programmatic, and ongoing approach to help us reflect along the way, hone our strategies and continue to center equity, youth and families.
Learn more about our progressThe CYBHI serves as the core of California’s Master plan for Kids’ Mental Health, a historic investment that unites the efforts of health programs, education and social services to meet kids where they are, provide greater access to mental health support and address the factors that contribute to thriving, successful youth.
Download the Master Plan
The CYBHI is a collaborative effort, informed by and implemented with young people, families and partners across sectors and systems:
We engage in ongoing outreach to capture the voices and input of children, youth and families and ensure they play a central role in shaping our efforts, from program design to implementation and evaluation.
We partner with the education systems at every level, from early childhood to K-12 school districts, higher education and others to expand and improve the services and supports available to students and those who work with them.
We engage with the entities that help build, develop and train the members of the behavioral health workforce to expand their capacity, skills, tools and resources.
The CYBHI seeks to integrate the efforts of the systems that serve our state’s children and families. Each of our workstreams is overseen by CalHHS Departments and Offices that have deep connections to the issues and people it involves. These include:
Do you have questions about the CYBHI? Want to share thoughts and suggestions about our work to transform the systems serving the mental, emotional and behavioral health needs of kids and families?
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