California approves Medi-Cal dyadic services to link parent-child health needs

The Commission for Behavioral Health convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss critical developments in mental health services, particularly focusing on the integration of dyadic services under Medi-Cal. The meeting highlighted the importance of serving both parents and children together to address their physical and behavioral health needs effectively.

A key point of discussion was the ongoing Medi-Cal reimbursable service that allows for the simultaneous treatment of parents and children. This approach emphasizes that understanding a child's needs is essential for effective treatment, as children thrive in family environments where their needs are recognized and addressed collectively.

The commission also addressed the permanent authorization of the all-payer fee schedule, which aims to ensure that every child in California has access to health insurance, whether through parental coverage, federal-state medical programs, or state-only medical for undocumented individuals. The discussion underscored the theoretical availability of health insurance for all children, although challenges remain in ensuring that these services are utilized effectively.

The meeting acknowledged the role of schools as critical environments for identifying children's needs. However, participants noted the difficulties in creating a seamless connection between available health insurance resources and the needs of youth. The complexities involved in this integration were likened to trying to connect two magnets with opposing poles, highlighting the cultural, technological, and professional barriers that must be overcome.

Despite these challenges, the commission expressed optimism about the potential for these services to provide a permanent source of support for children's mental health needs if the integration can be successfully achieved. The discussions concluded with a recognition of the hard work being done by various stakeholders, including Fresno County and LA Unified School District, to navigate these obstacles and improve mental health outcomes for children in California.