The CBO Model: A Practical Path to Expanding Student Mental Health Access Through CYBHI
California districts are looking for sustainable ways to expand student mental health services without creating more administrative work.
During our partnered session at Wellness Together's 10th Annual Conference, district leaders and providers joined TadHealth to explore how community-based organization (CBO) partnerships, wellness coaches, and technology can help expand student care while strengthening CYBHI reimbursement workflows.
1. Build around the care already happening
CYBHI gives districts and their partners an opportunity to seek reimbursement for eligible services already being delivered to students. The key is making documentation and reimbursement part of the care workflow, not another separate process. This can help districts create more sustainable funding for the services they are already providing.
2. Use wellness coaches to expand capacity
Wellness coaches can support follow-up sessions, groups, care coordination, and connections to additional resources.
“If a student needs additional support, a wellness coach can follow up so they do not feel like they are navigating things alone.” - Lizbet Betancio, Mental Health Specialist, Wellness Together supporting Corona-Norco Unified School District
This gives districts another way to expand access while allowing clinicians to focus their time where it is needed most.
3. Meet each district where it is
Every district enters CYBHI at a different stage. Some need support with documentation, others with consent, provider onboarding, referrals, or claims.
“It takes a lot of collaboration and communication. The most important thing is making sure we are walking alongside the district throughout the process.” - Tayler Trotter, Program Director, Mental Health Services, Wellness Together
Strong CBO partnerships adapt to the district’s existing systems instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. Make participation easier for families and providers
Family participation and provider adoption are both critical to successful implementation. Clear communication and simple digital workflows can make consent and insurance collection easier for families while reducing administrative work for providers.
“Having a secure link families can use through TadHealth makes the process much easier for parents.” - Lorraine McClay, Certified Wellness Coach, Wellness Together supporting Alvord Unified School District
Mapping existing providers, referral pathways, services, and workflows can help districts identify gaps and determine where CBO partners can add the most value.
Building a more sustainable model
CBO partnerships can help districts expand their mental health capacity while making CYBHI implementation more manageable. The opportunity is to create a coordinated system that helps districts serve more students, support providers, and build sustainable funding around care.
Exploring how CBO partnerships could fit into your district’s CYBHI strategy? Our team is happy to help! Click here to be contacted by a member of our team.
