Student Assistance Program (SAP):

As of July 2025, SLOBHD has launched a new era of the Student Assistance Program (SAP). The SAP is a school-based framework designed to support students experiencing various challenges that may hinder their academic success or overall well-being. This program is evidence-based meaning it is rooted in research and has demonstrated historical effectiveness in similar settings. SLOBHD SAP currently operates by leveraging grants, Medi-Cal revenue, and contracts with partnering school districts to identify youth with elevated risk factors, assessment, education groups, skill building, individual interventions and counseling, and referrals. This programming focuses on substance use and mental health early intervention and direct treatment.

The Behavioral Health Department's Prevention and Outreach division provides student support counseling services at schools throughout the County. Referrals into the program are made directly through the school. See the list of participating schools below for more information. Services provided include identification of youth with elevated risk factors, assessment, education groups, skill building, individual interventions and referrals. Programming focuses on substance use and mental health prevention and early intervention. Student Support Counseling is currently available at the following sites:

• Coast Unified School District
• Paso Robles Joint Unified School District
• San Miguel Joint Unified School District
• San Luis Coastal Unified School District
• Templeton Unified School District

For more information, please contact Behavioral Health Prevention and Outreach Services at (805) 781-4754.

Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI):

In addition to SLOBHD’s contracted partners, a new opportunity has been launched for SAP known as the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). CYBHI is a component of the statewide Behavioral Health Transformation (BHT) initiative which includes the implementation of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA).

The goal of CYBHI is to enable California youth in schools to access mental health and substance use support across sectors and systems, such as schools, college campuses, and other learning environments. CYBHI expands behavioral health and substance use support for children and youth at no cost to students and their families enrolled in school districts across California with the intention of meeting the needs of all young people while being built on a foundation of equity and ease of access.

SLOBHD is working towards becoming a CYBHI affiliate with participating school districts to allow County clinicians to provide screenings, assessments, and counseling services on campus with participating school districts. Currently in SLO County, San Luis Coastal Unified School District was awarded participation in CYBHI as Cohort 1.

It is a goal of SLOBHD to provide school-based counseling services by partnering with all districts that join CYBHI cohorts in the near future. SLOBHD is thrilled to be participating as an affiliate provider for CYBHI to strengthen coordination between schools, providers, and County services and ensure students can access timely, school-based support whenever and wherever it is needed!