SACRAMENTO – California's more than $4 billion Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is yielding significant positive results across the state, expanding access to care, strengthening the behavioral health workforce, and improving outcomes for children, youth, and families. Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today released the CYBHI Legacy Report, "Advancing Behavioral Health: From Moment to Movement," detailing the statewide impact of this multi-billion dollar effort.
New data from the Legacy Report and companion evaluations highlight how these investments are making a difference. As of Spring 2026, over 1,600 organizations are conducting more than 2,000 activities to deliver critical behavioral health services and transform schools into wellness hubs. More than 70,000 individuals have been supported along the behavioral health workforce pathway, including over 4,000 Certified Wellness Coaches.
Governor Gavin Newsom said, "Protecting the health and wellbeing of children is some of the most important work we do — and it’s critical to California’s success. The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative is helping ensure children, youth and families find support where, when, and in the ways they need it most." First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added, "When California invests in the well-being of our children, we invest in the future of our state."
Digital services like Soluna and BrightLife Kids have supported over 500,000 children, youth, and families across all 58 counties, with the majority receiving professional mental health services for the first time through these platforms. Additionally, more than 230,000 reimbursement claims for school-linked behavioral health services have generated $11.3 million in new revenue. Public awareness campaigns have also garnered over 4 billion impressions statewide, aiming to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking.
An independent evaluation by Mathematica indicates improving outcomes for California's youth. Since CYBHI's launch, youth are receiving behavioral healthcare at the highest level since 2016–2017, with notable increases among boys. Emergency department visits for behavioral health conditions, suicidal ideation, and deaths by suicide have all declined. Chronic absenteeism and absences related to mental health concerns have also substantially decreased.
Dr. Sohil Sud, Director of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, said, "It has been inspiring to witness Californians rise up and turn a mental health moment into a mental health movement." Rick McManus, Principal Researcher at Mathematica, noted that CYBHI investments "strengthened the foundations for long-term improvement." The initiative continues to build on this foundation through complementary efforts like the Behavioral Health Services Act, BH-CONNECT, and CalAIM, aiming for a future where every child and family can access support with dignity.