How to Receive Mental Health Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How do I contact the Access Team to get mental health services?
  Call (831) 454-4170 or (800) 952-2335 24-hours a day - Urgent care can also be requested 24 hours per day by calling the same numbers.
  • If you are hearing impaired: Click here to request information about mental health services  
• How do I qualify to get mental health services?
  Based upon the results of an assessment with a licensed clinician on the Access Team, individuals and their families will be linked to the most appropriate services available.
  
  Those individuals meeting the System of Care criteria (i.e., having a serious and persistent mental illness) are referred to one of several Coordinated Care Treatment Teams based in Santa Cruz or Watsonville.
     
• Where do I go if I am having a crisis?
  If you, or someone you know, is at risk of harm to themselves or others and needs immediate help you should always call 911. 
  
  If you are having a crisis but not in imminent danger call the Access Team: (831) 454-4170 or (800) 952-2335 (24-hours a day)
  • Walk-in Crisis Services Available
    Monday - Friday
    8 am – 5 pm.
    1400 Emeline Avenue, Bldg. K.
    Santa Cruz, CA 95060
• What do I do if I have Medi-Cal?
  Medi-Cal beneficiaries are eligible for mental health services. Depending on the nature of the mental health condition, beneficiaries will be referred to County Mental Health Services, Beacon Health Services or a Community-based organization that provides mental health care. 
  
  Individuals who are in need of urgent care, but do not require team based coordinated care or are not Medi-Cal beneficiaries, may receive services at the Crisis Stabilization Program 24-hours a day/7 days a week. Typically these services are only provided when an individual is experiencing serious problems and without intervention would likely be hospitalized.
         
• What do I do if I don't have Medi-Cal
  Visit our Health Benefits page to find out about other financial benefit programs you might be eligible for.