INTRODUCTION OF SERVICES
Soquel Union Elementary School District (SUESD) is committed to supporting student wellness, learning, and social-emotional growth. School-based mental health programs include:
- Individual or group counseling
- Skill-building, coping, and social-emotional support
- Case management and referrals to outside providers
- Health and wellness services such as stress management, grief support, anger management, and social skills development
These services are short-term, educationally focused, and provided at no cost to families. Services provided are short-term (typically 30 minutes long for 6-8 week sessions). They may include individual or group counseling, case management, other appropriate educational interventions, and/or linkage to outside support. They are not a substitute for medical or psychological diagnosis or long-term therapy.
Please be aware that students are pulled from regular class time to receive direct counseling services, and every effort is made to reduce any adverse impact on a student's regularly assigned coursework.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Information shared in counseling is kept confidential in accordance with law, except when:
- There is risk of harm to self or others
- A student is being harmed or neglected
- There is a threat to school safety
- Records are court-ordered
Counseling records are kept separate from the student’s cumulative education file, except for basic service documentation.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
- Participation is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time.
- Students may be referred to outside providers if preferred.
- Sessions may occur during class time; efforts are made to minimize disruptions.
TELEHEALTH OPTION
When appropriate, counseling may be provided via phone or video (e.g., Zoom). Students must be in California and in a private setting.
STAFF AVAILABILITY AND EMERGENCIES
Services may be provided by licensed staff, credentialed school counselors, or supervised trainees/interns. Staff are available during school hours on scheduled workdays. For emergencies outside school hours, call 911.
CALIFORNIA YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
SUESD participates in the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), in order to seek reimbursement from the state through student health plans and insurers for eligible activities already provided at school, at no cost to families.
KEY ASSURANCES
- No cost to you — you will never be billed, invoiced, or charged a co-pay.
- No impact on your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.
- No impact on your coverage, benefits, or premiums.
- Services and supports continue the same whether or not you consent, and this decision may be changed or revoked at any time in writing. No student is ever denied support based on insurance or consent status.
COST OF SERVICES & CYBHI BILLING INFORMATION
Under the California Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), SUESD may bill Medi-Cal or commercial insurance for eligible services:
- There is no cost to families. You will not be charged deductibles, co-pays, or fees.
- Billing does not affect your benefits (no reduction of lifetime coverage, no increase in premiums, no loss of eligibility for outside services).
- Billing simply helps the District recoup costs and sustain its counseling program, ensuring long-term access for all students.
- Consent may be revoked at any time. Services will continue regardless of billing consent.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RIGHTS
- Your child is entitled to all counseling services at no cost, whether or not you consent to insurance billing.
- Student/family information will only be shared for the limited purpose of billing, in compliance with FERPA and HIPAA.
Students 12 years or older may legally consent to their own counseling services under California law (Ed. Code §49602; Fam. Code §§6924–6929).