Mental health services are available for children and youth under the age of 18 who have serious emotional disturbance (SED) through the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) system of care. Children's Mental Health provides services for children with SED or children who display symptoms that indicate other behavioral health problems.
There are different paths to receiving mental health care through YES. All of these paths depend on whether the child or youth is enrolled in Medicaid or has been identified as having serious emotional disturbance (SED). Children with SED are eligible for Medicaid at a higher income level. Read the information below to determine how to get help.
Paths to services
All children and youth with Medicaid can access mental health services through Optum Idaho, Medicaid's managed care provider. Call 855-202-0973 or visit the Optum Idaho website to find a mental health provider.
If you are interested in respite care, you can call Liberty Healthcare at 877-305-3469 to schedule an assessment.
Children and youth with serious emotional disturbance (SED) may be eligible for Medicaid if they meet the income requirements.
Schedule a functional assessment with Liberty Healthcare at 877-305-3469 for an SED determination. After the SED determination, apply for Medicaid.
If your child is not eligible for Medicaid, you can still apply for children's mental health services by contacting your local Regional Behavioral Health Office. You must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for expedited services.
REGION | PHONE NUMBER |
---|---|
Region 1 - Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Shoshone Counties | 208-769-1406 |
Region 2 - Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce Counties | 208-799-4440 |
Region 3 - Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Washington Counties | 208-459-0092 |
Region 4 - Ada, Boise, Elmore, Valley Counties | 208-334-0800 |
Region 5 - Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, Twin Falls Counties | 208-732-1630 |
Region 6 - Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, Power Counties | 208-234-7900 |
Region 7 - Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Teton Counties | 208-528-5700 |