Therapeutic Behavioral Health Services for Children and Youth

Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) is an intensive, individualized, one-to-one behavioral coaching program available to children/youth up to age 21 who are experiencing a current emotional or behavioral challenge or experiencing a stressful life transition.

TBS can help children/youth and parents/caregivers learn skills to increase successful behaviors and learn new ways of reducing challenging behaviors. TBS is not a stand-alone service; it supports an ongoing primary mental health service such as mental health therapy or case management.

Who is eligible for TBS?

TBS is only available to children/youth who:

• Have full-scope Medi-Cal benefits,
• Are receiving ongoing mental health services, and
• Meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • Experiencing difficult behaviors which may jeopardize their placement;
  • Currently living in a group home or short-term residential therapeutic program (STRTP);
  • At risk of psychiatric hospitalization, or have been psychiatrically hospitalized within the last 24 months;
  • Transitioning to a lower level placement; and
  • Previously received TBS services.
    

Referrals are sent to the County's TBS provider for services.

TBS Prior Authorization Request & Referral

The form serves as both prior authorization request and referral form:

• TBS Referral Form - April 2022

    Fax referrals to Optum Public Sector San Diego at 866-220-4495

For information, questions, and concerns  

Contact New Alternatives - TBS Office
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
858-256-2180

Learn More

• TBS Program Brochure (English/Spanish) - updated August 2023