Behavioral Health Menu

How to Receive Mental Health Services

Contact the Access Team

The Access Team evaluates all requests for non-emergency services for anyone not currently receiving services from County Mental Health or community providers who are part of the mental health system. This team is comprised of bilingual senior mental health clinicians and psychiatrists who provide assessments and referrals to mental health services and who are trained to answer your questions. They will help you determine if you are eligible for our services. 

Walk-in Crisis Services Available

Santa Cruz: 1400 Emeline Ave:
Monday through Friday
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
1400 Emeline Avenue, Bldg. K.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Watsonville: 1430 Freedom Blvd. location:
Monday through Friday
8:00 am -4:00 pm
1430 Freedom Blvd, Suite F
Watsonville CA, 95076

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.
  • 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.

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Information

Client Service Information

How to Receive
Substance Use Disorder (SUDS) Services

(800) 952-2335
24-Hour Access Line

(831) 454-4170
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
1400 Emeline Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA
or
(831) 763-8200
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
1430 Freedom Blvd.
Suite F
Watsonville, CA

For hearing impaired clients: Dial 711 or send us an email

What to Do in Case of a Mental Health Emergency

Behavioral Health Crisis Services

Suicide Prevention Service

Resources for Traumatic Events or Disasters

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)