WSS | Volume 39 No. 39

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Support Your Child's Mental Health: Medi-Cal Covers Therapy, Medication, and More

When children struggle emotionally, it can affect every part of their lives at home, in school, with friends, and even their physical health. In many Black families, we're taught to be strong and push through. But our kids don't have to struggle alone. Medi-Cal provides mental health care for children and youth, with no referral or diagnosis required.

Through California Advancing and Innovat- ing Medi-Cal (CalAIM), the state is trans- forming how care is delivered. Services are now easier to access and better connected across mental health, physical health, and fam- ily support systems. CalAIM brings care into schools, homes, and communities, removing barriers and helping children get support early, before challenges escalate. Help is Available, and it's Covered

Under Medi-Cal, every child and teen under age 19 has the right to mental health care. This includes screenings, therapy, medication sup- port, crisis stabilization, and help coordinating services. Parents, caregivers, and children age 12 or older can request a screening at any time, with no diagnosis or referral required.

Drugs

DHCS is also working to keep young people safe as California faces rising risks from opi- oids and counterfeit pills. Programs like El- evate Youth California and Friday Night Live give teens mentorship, leadership opportuni- ties, and positive outlets that strengthen men- tal well-being.

Through the California Youth Opioid Re- sponse, families can learn how to avoid dan- gerous substances and get treatment when needed. Song for Charlie provides parents and teens with facts and tools to talk honestly about mental health and counterfeit pills. DHCS also supports groups like Young People in Recovery, which helps youth build skills for long-term healing, and the Youth Peer Mentor Program, which trains teens with lived experi- ence to support others. These efforts are part of California's strategy to protect young peo- ple, prevent overdoses, and help them make healthier choices.

For teens and young adults ages 13-25, Cali- fornia offers Soluna, a free mental health app where young people can chat with coaches, learn coping skills, journal, or join supportive community circles. Soluna is free, confiden- tial, available in app stores, and does not re- quire insurance.

CalHOPE also provides free emotional sup- port to all Californians through a 24/7 support line at (833) 317-HOPE (4673), online chat, and culturally responsive resources. Support at School - Where Kids Already Are Schools are often the first place where emo- tional stress is noticed. Through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYB- HI), public schools, community colleges, and universities can offer therapy, counseling, cri- sis support, and referrals at no cost to families.

Services are available during school breaks and delivered on campus, by phone or video, or at community sites. There are no copay- ments, deductibles, or bills. Medi-Cal Still Covers Everyday Care

Medi-Cal continues to cover everyday mental health care, including therapy for stress, anxi- ety, depression, or trauma; medication sup- port; crisis stabilization; hospital care when needed; and referrals to community programs through county mental health plans and Medi- Cal health plans. How to Get Help

⚫ Talk to your child's teacher, school counsel- or, or doctor.

• In San Bernardino County call 877-410-8829 and in Riverside County call 877-410-8827 to contact your county mental health plan to re- quest an assessment or services.

If your child is not enrolled in Medi-Cal, you can apply at BenefitsCal.com or my.medi- cal.ca.gov.

In a mental health emergency, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Every child deserves to grow up healthy and supported. Medi-Cal is working to transform care so it's accessible, equitable, and respon- sive to the needs of every family.

Support for Parents and Caregivers Children thrive when their caregivers are sup- ported. Through CalAIM's vision of whole- person care, Medi-Cal now covers dyadic ser- Medi-Cal's Mental Health and Substance Use vices, visits where a child and caregiver meet Disorder Program

For children and youth with more serious mental health needs, including those in foster care or involved in the justice system, Medi- Cal offers expanded support, including:

• Family-centered and community-based ther- apy to address trauma, behavior challenges, or system involvement.

together with a provider to strengthen bond- ing, manage stress, and address behavior chal- lenges.

These visits may include screening the care- giver for depression or anxiety and connecting them to food, housing, or other health-related social needs, aligning with CalAIM's Com- munity Supports framework. Notably, only the • Wraparound care teams that help keep chil- child must be enrolled in Medi-Cal to receive dren safely at home or with relatives.

dyadic care.

• Activity funds that support healing through Family therapy is also covered and can take sports, art, music, and therapeutic camps. place in clinics, schools, homes, or via tele- • Initial joint behavioral health visits, where health, reflecting CalAIM's commitment to a mental health provider and child welfare flexible, community-based care delivery. worker meet with the family early in a case. Additionally, BrightLife Kids offers free tools, • Child welfare liaisons in Medi-Cal health resources, and virtual coaching for caregivers plans who help caregivers and social workers and children ages 0-12. Families can sign up get services for children faster online or through the BrightLife Kids app. No Keeping Kids Safe from Opioids and Harmful insurance, diagnosis, or referral is required.