You Submitted CYBHI Claims… What’s Next?

California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is transforming the way schools support student mental health. For the first time, districts can be reimbursed directly for services like counseling, wellness coaching, screenings, and referrals through a statewide fee-for-service model. That means the care your students are already receiving can now be sustained with reliable funding.

How Do Schools Submit a Claim?

To unlock CYBHI reimbursement, schools need to submit claims that document the mental health services provided, much like the process healthcare providers follow with insurance. Each claim captures the essentials: who delivered the service, what type of support was offered, and when it took place.

But, submitting a claim is only the beginning. Once that documentation is reviewed and approved, the reimbursement cycle kicks in, transforming your records of student support into actual dollars that flow back into your district. In this way, the work your staff is already doing doesn’t just help students in the moment; it also builds a sustainable funding stream to keep services going long term.

What to Expect Once You Start Receiving Reimbursements

After your district begins submitting CYBHI claims, the reimbursement process unfolds in a few key steps. Knowing what to expect will help your team prepare for each stage and set up internal systems for smooth tracking.

1. Payspan Account Creation

After your district begins submitting CYBHI claims, you’ll need to set up a Payspan account in order to receive reimbursements. Payspan is the secure payment platform that manages all reimbursements under CYBHI. Once registered, it becomes your district’s hub for payment information, receipts, and digital funds management.

2. How the Account Connects to Your LEA

When claims are first processed, your district (the LEA) will be sent a Payspan registration code and instructions, typically by mail or email. This registration code links your district to your reimbursement account. From there, your finance team completes the Payspan enrollment by verifying district and banking details. Once the setup is complete, your LEA can securely receive reimbursements, track payment history, and opt into digital payments for faster processing.

3. Confirmation of Accepted Claims

After claims are reviewed and approved, your district will receive a receipt through Payspan. This document outlines which services were billed, which were accepted, and which were reimbursed. It provides a clear record for finance and leadership teams, essential for audits, reporting, and long-term budget planning.

4. First Physical Check in the Mail

The first reimbursement is issued as a physical check, mailed directly to your district. This initial payment not only delivers funds for approved services but also serves as the official activation of your Payspan account. Once received, your district is fully set up to manage reimbursements through the platform.

5. Transition to Digital Payments

Following that first check, your district can choose to opt into direct digital payments. Most districts make this switch quickly, since digital reimbursement is faster, more secure, and easier to reconcile. With direct deposit enabled, all reimbursements flow straight into your district’s bank account, and every transaction can be tracked within the Payspan dashboard.

Why This Matters

Every reimbursement represents real care delivered to students and a step toward building sustainable school-based mental health. By understanding the reimbursement process upfront, your district can better prepare finance teams, set expectations for timelines, and confidently plan your CYBHI budget.

TadHealth makes this work easier by streamlining documentation, automating claims, and guiding your team through each step from Payspan setup to digital payments. That means less guesswork, fewer delays, and more time focused on supporting students.

Curious what CYBHI could mean for your district’s budget? Click here to get your CYBHI Reimbursement Estimate for the 2025–2026 school year.