Youth Empowerment Services (YES) is the mental health system of care in Idaho for children with serious emotional disturbance (SED) — a term used to identify children under the age of 18 who have both a mental health diagnosis and a functional impairment. The YES Program uses a child and family centered, team-based, strengths and needs focused approach for early identification, treatment planning, and implementation of care.
- Children under the age of 18 years old
- Children with a complete assessment that identifies an SED and a functional impairment
- Children of families that have income under 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)
- If your child is approved for the YES Program and your income is between 185% and 300% of the FPG, a premium (share of cost) may be assessed based on your family’s income. If you are unable to pay the premium, your child’s eligibility will not be impacted.
Children with an SED and functional impairment may be eligible for YES services even if their family income is above 300% of the FPG through the Division of Behavioral Health. To apply for children’s mental health services, contact your local Regional Behavioral Health Office.
What's Covered
- Behavioral health
- Outpatient services through the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP) with Optum Idaho
- Inpatient services such as acute psychiatric care and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
- Chiropractic
- Dental
- Doctors and other healthcare providers
- Durable medical equipment and supplies
- Early intervention
- Early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment (EPSDT)
- Hearing
- Home and Community Based Services
- Home health
- Hospital care
- Immunizations
- Interpretation
- Lead screening
- Nutrition
- Personal care services (PCS)
- Person-Centered Service Planning (PCSP)
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Podiatry
- Prescription drugs
- Respite
- School-based services
- Service coordination
- Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
- Vision and glasses
- Wellness exams for children
Keep in mind there are some limits to these services, and some might require you or your healthcare provider to get prior authorization from Medicaid before receiving services.
*If your child qualifies for the YES Program based on the expanded income limits of 185% to 300% FPG, Medicaid requires that Respite and PCSP are used at least once per calendar year.
The application process for the YES Program has two steps.
- Complete a functional assessment through Liberty Healthcare.
- If your child is determined to have an SED, you can then apply for Medicaid using the Medicaid application process below.
The functional assessment will determine if the child has a Serious Emotional Disturbance. A Serious Emotional Disturbance refers to people who have a mental, behavioral or emotional issue that limits their ability to participate in family, school, or community activities. A person is identified as having Serious Emotional Disturbance if they have both a qualifying diagnosable mental illness and a substantial functional impairment.
To be assessed for Serious Emotional Disturbance, call Liberty Healthcare.
Call: 1-877-305-3469
Once you have completed the application process, you will receive written notice in the mail regarding eligibility for the YES program. If you have any questions about the application process, you may call 1-833-644-8296.
Once you have completed the application process, you will receive written notice in the mail regarding eligibility for the YES Program. If you have any questions about the application process, you may call Self Reliance at 1-877-456-1233.
- Apply: Online using idalink
- Be prepared to provide this information with the application:
- ID Card
- Household Income
- If applicable, Immigration Status
- Interview
- Call: 1-877-456-1233 (toll free)
- Visit: Visit the closest field office
- Be prepared to provide this information with the application:
- ID Card
- Household Income
- If applicable, Immigration Status
- Download and complete an application
- Then Apply by either:
- Email: MyBenefits@dhw.idaho.gov
- Fax: 1-866-434-8278 (toll free)
- Mail: Self Reliance Programs, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0026
- Be prepared to provide this information with the application:
- ID Card
- Household Income
- If applicable, Immigration Status
Complaints and Appeals Processes
Email: MedicaidAppeals@dhw.idaho.gov
Phone: 208-334-5747
Fax: 208-364-1811
In-person: Your Local DHW Office
Mail: Medicaid Appeals, IDHW PO Box 83720 Boise ID 83720-0009
Phone: 208-334-6870
Website: Optum