Less Paperwork, More Student Support: 3 Takeaways from CASC 2026
School counselors dedicate their days to supporting students, but finding time for documentation can be challenging.
At CASC’s 2026 Convention & Expo, we hosted a panel titled “Sustaining School-Based Mental Health Through CYBHI: Why Documentation Matters,” featuring Paige Sargous of Orange County School of the Arts and Shirley Diaz and Lisa Liang of Anaheim Elementary School District.
Together, we explored practical ways districts can simplify documentation, strengthen CYBHI reimbursement workflows, and sustain essential student mental health services. Here are three key takeaways from the discussion.
1. Documentation Should Fit Into Existing Workflows
Between student check-ins, classroom lessons, and unexpected needs, school counselors rarely have time to spare. Paige shared how she uses calendar reminders, quick notes, and dedicated documentation blocks to stay organized.
"You physically have to build it in," she explained.
The goal isn't to create a perfect process. It's to establish a manageable routine that allows providers to document services without taking unnecessary time away from students.
2. Providers Are Already Delivering Meaningful Services
From helping students manage anxiety to coordinating with families and teachers, school counselors provide critical behavioral health support every day. Many of these services may qualify for CYBHI reimbursement when they meet applicable requirements.
Shirley explained how Anaheim Elementary developed documentation guides built around a simple question: "What is it that I do every day?"
By linking familiar student interactions to documentation categories and sample notes, districts can help providers recognize and accurately capture the care they already deliver.
3. Documentation Can Help Sustain Student Support Programs
At Anaheim Elementary, documentation has become an important part of demonstrating the value of school-based behavioral health services.
Shirley shared the district's progress:
- Year 1: Approximately 17,000 claims submitted, representing roughly $800,000.
- Year 2: More than 48,000 claims submitted and approximately $1.6 million+ reported.
These numbers illustrate the district's progress, although submitted claims do not equate to care events delivered or students seen.
Anaheim Elementary School District is using reimbursement to sustain its school-based support teams, including counselors, clinicians, psychologists, and wellness coaches.
4. Streamlined Workflows Help Providers Focus on Students
Effective documentation goes beyond establishing consistent routines. It also requires clear guidance, practical training, and processes that minimize unnecessary administrative work.
Shirley emphasized the importance of reducing duplicate documentation across systems, sharing a simple goal: “I want my people to only do things once.”
By providing role-specific training, simplifying documentation requirements, and streamlining workflows, districts can reduce repetitive tasks and make it easier for providers to accurately capture the services they deliver.
Sustaining Student Care
Our panel message at CASC 2026 was clear: Better documentation isn't about creating more work; it's about making the work already happening visible and sustainable.
With practical training, reduced duplicate documentation, and consistent workflows, districts can better support their providers while strengthening their CYBHI programs.
At TadHealth, we're committed to making that process easier so school-based providers can spend less time navigating paperwork and more time supporting students.
Ready to make documentation easier for your providers? Connect with the TadHealth team to explore how your district can streamline documentation, simplify CYBHI reimbursement workflows, and sustain student mental health services.
