SLO County Schools Advance Youth Mental Health Through CYBHI
San Luis Obispo County schools are transforming how they support youth mental and behavioral health through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a statewide effort to expand access to care, build capacity, and improve student well-being.
Led locally by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education (SLOCOE), the county’s CYBHI work focuses on four priorities:
- Building Capacity – Strengthening systems, staff, and partnerships.
- Building the Workforce – Expanding and training school-based mental health teams.
- Strengthening Pathways to Support – Removing barriers to care for students and families.
- Creating Sustainable Funding – Creating long-term financial stability for services.
In a major milestone, San Luis Coastal Unified School District is the first in the county to be fee schedule-ready, enabling more efficient access to services and sustainable funding through insurance reimbursement.
“Schools are uniquely positioned to identify needs early, build trust with families, and connect students to the right supports,” said Melanie Crawford, Director of Continuous Improvement and Support and CYBHI Lead for the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. “Through CYBHI, we are working together as a county to create school environments where every student feels seen, supported, and able to thrive.”
A new website at cybhi.slocoe.org offers resources for districts, schools, and families to learn more about CYBHI and how to access support.
