The following listing and links are provided to help you find mental health resources in the Bay Area. The list and links are not intended to be a comprehensive list, but rather a resource to find support and services. Some links are to Bay Area mental health resources and some are to national organizations. Please note that the links are not an endorsement of the content of the sites, merely potential helpful resources.
Finding A Provider
What is the difference between mental health providers
How to find a mental health provider
Find-A-Psychologist through BAPA
Local Counseling Organizations
Providers that take your insurance (contact your insurance company to get a list of providers)
Crisis Talk/Text Lines
Suicide Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline is a nationwide network of local crisis centers that provides 24/7 free and confidential support, resources, and prevention information for people in emotional distress or those seeking help for loved ones.
Dial 9-8-8
Text 988 or Text Home to 741741
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
California Youth Crisis Hotline: A 24-hour crisis line, and 24-hour chat and text, for youth (ages 12-24) and their families to help young people receive support and free and low-cost resources across California. Services are anonymous and confidential. Assistance available in all languages.
(800) 843-5200 – Call or Text 24/7
For Chat, visit website (www.calyouth.org)
Girls & Boys Town National Hotline: Nationwide, short-term crisis intervention hotline to children and families experiencing any type of difficulty.
(800) 448-3000
Mental Health America: 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors
Text MHA to 741741
National Hopeline Network: 24/7 free Live Chat, information, podcasts, blog posts and eBooks.
Live Chat Available 24/7
Sexual Assault Hotline: 24/7 hotline with trained staff members. Hotline is part of RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) which provides information, resources, data, and support.
(800) 656-4673
Shelter Bed Hotline: Callers can access information for 9 Bay Area counties
(800) 774-3583
StarVista: Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
(650) 579-0350
Teen Hotline (24/7)
(650) 579-0353
Trans Lifeline: Nationwide crisis hotline by and for the transgender community
(877) 565-8860, M-F 10am-6pm, PST
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ): 24/7 hotline with trained counselors providing crisis and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth
(866) 488-7386 – Call, text, or chat
Veteran Crisis Line: 24/7 confidential peer support for Veterans and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Dial 988, Press 1
Text 838255
(855) 838-8255
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
HELPLINES
Poison Control/ Overdose Concern: If emergency, call 9-1-1 or Poison Control emergency number which is a free and confidential service open 24/7 to talk to a poison control and prevention expert
(800) 222-1222
Alcohol and Drug Helpline: Information and referral to substance abuse services and crisis intervention provided by San Mateo County Health.
(650) 573-3950
Alcoholics Anonymous: 24/7 hotline staffed by trained volunteers who will listen and answer queries, the AA hotline can refer you to the closest peer group meeting.
(800) 839-1686
(209) 339-1201 (California)
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Hopeline: 24/7 hotline with trained professionals to line you up with referrals in your community
(800) 622-2255
SAMHSA National Helpline: The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides free, confidential information service (in English and Spanish), 24/7, for individuals and family members facing mental health or substance use disorders. The service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. SAMHSA has a free treatment finder and other tools for those looking for help with their addiction. Free Treatment Finder: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.
(800) 662-4357
RESOURCES
Helping An Alcoholic Loved One
Do You Have a Drinking Problem? 11 Warning Signs to Know
NIAAA: Rethinking Drinking is a helpful site provided by the NIAAA for those thinking about making a change to their health.
BAC Calculator: Blood alcohol content or blood alcohol concentration is a means to measure the amount of alcohol present in a person’s bloodstream.
AddictionResource.net: Provides information on drug abuse, addiction, and treatment options.
Alcohol Addiction Center: A free web-based resource that provides information about alcohol, various treatment options, rehab centers, support, and various other resources. Provides specific tips and resources for parents, college students, and employers, and employees.
Alcohol Rehab Guide: Information, support, treatment information, and resources
(844) 558-4422
Al-Anon / Alateen: For families and youth worried about someone with a drinking problem. Information, resources, meetings, Teen chat line.
(800) 344-2666
Cocaine Anonymous: A 12-step support group for those addicted to cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.
(800) 347-8998
Drugfree.org: Counselors provide support and education and guide you to the best course of action. Schedule a call to talk to someone, text or email to get connected with a counselor.
(855) 378-4373 or text 55753
DrugRehab.com: Information, resources, and treatment for people battling addiction
(877) 360 1538
Families Anonymous: A 12-step fellowship for the families and friends who have known a feeling of desperation concerning the destructive behavior of someone very near to them, whether caused by drugs, alcohol, or related behavioral problems. Note: it is an independent organization and not affiliated with AA. Offers information, support, and groups.
(800) 736-9805
Marijuana Anonymous: Offers information, support, meeting info, and resources.
Bay Area meetings and resources:
Silicon Valley and Central Coast, contact publicinfo@madistrict3.org
San Francisco and East Bay, contact info@madistrict2.org
Nar-Anon: For anyone affected by someone else’s drug abuse.
(800) 477-6291
(650) 619-9217
Narcotics Anonymous: A worldwide organization providing tools for a better way of life for those addicted to narcotic substances.
Peninsula Narcotics Anonymous – (650) 802-5950
SMART Recovery: A program that offers meetings, tools and books as an alternative to alcohol treatment.
Suicide & Self Harm
HELPLINES
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline is a nationwide network of local crisis centers that provides 24/7 free and confidential support, resources, and prevention information for people in emotional distress or those seeking help for loved ones.
Dial 9-8-8
Text 988 or Text Home to 741741
(800) 273-TALK (8255)
StarVista 24/7 Crisis Hotline: (650) 579-0350
A free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week crisis hotline staffed by trained crisis workers. Individuals are encouraged to call the hotline if they are feeling depressed, suicidal, or just want to talk to someone about the problems they are facing or are concerned about someone they know. The service offers a safe and confidential place for people to explore feelings, concerns, vent frustrations, clarify problems, and get referrals. Trained crisis workers treat callers with empathy and compassion, and provide referrals for community resources and services.
StarVista Teen Crisis Services: Text (650) 747-6463, Monday-Friday, 4pm-10pm
Free online teen chat and text, peer-to-peer services. Teens can chat confidentially with trained youth peer counselors under Crisis Center staff supervision about various topics. While mainly focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention, teens can also talk about school stress, relationship issues, and mental health challenges. While the program is intended to focus on youth ages 13 and up, no youth will be turned away on the basis of age.
StarVista Youth Stabilization, Opportunity, and Support (SOS) Team: Anyone may access this 24/7 service by calling the crisis hotline at (650) 579-0350
Provides over-the-phone or in-person response to youth ages 0-25 living in San Mateo County that are experiencing an escalation in mental health symptoms, ranging from suicidal ideation to undiagnosed mental health disorders. The team is comprised of mental health clinicians and family partners to comprehensively address any assessment, psychoeducation, therapeutic, or case management needs.
RESOURCES
Suicide: Read This First
Know the Signs: Know the Signs is a statewide suicide prevention social marketing campaign built on three key messages: Know the signs. Find the words. Reach out. This campaign is intended to educate Californians on how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a direct conversation with someone in crisis, and where to find professional help and resources.
Now Matters Now – A great website to learn skills and find support for coping with suicidal thoughts. It has videos to teach mindfulness and DBT skills that have been proven to help people considering suicide
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Contains helpful resources if you are feeling suicidal, if you are worried about someone, if you are looking for treatment, or lost someone. Contains resources, facts, and people’s stories.
Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide: Information for parents, teens, educators and clinicians.
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE): Information about suicide, getting help, education and training, and peer support.
Star Vista – Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center The StarVista Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center (CISPC) provides free suicide intervention services and programs for San Mateo County residents, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, mobile youth crisis response team, online and text teen crisis support, and educational presentations to the community and schools. The Crisis Center also provides clinical services focusing on assessment, crisis de-escalation, and short-term therapy through their Youth Stabilization, Opportunity, and Support team for youth under the age of twenty-five. Learn more about services here.
Domestic Violence & Relationship Abuse
HELPLINES
National Domestic Violence Hotline – Website contains information on how to identify abuse, get support, and help others.
(800) 799-7233 – Available 24/7
CORA Helpline
(800) 300-1080 – Available 24/7
RESOURCES
Love is Respect: Highly-trained advocates offer support, information, and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. Free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services are available 24/7/365.
(866) 331-9474 or Text LOVEIS to 22522*
One Love: Love is the most important thing in our lives, yet we are taught very little about it. One Love is on a mission to change that. We educate young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships, empowering them to identify and avoid abuse and learn how to love better.
CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse): CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County solely dedicated to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse. From counseling, to emergency housing, to legal assistance, our services are designed to provide safety, support, and healing.
(800) 300-1080 – Available 24/7
Sexual Assault
HELPLINES
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 24/7 hotline with trained staff members. Hotline is part of RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network).
(800) 656-4673
Rape Trauma Services (RTS): Crisis counseling, outreach, and advocacy services, support groups for survivors of sexual assault, their family and friends. Serving San Mateo County
(650) 692-RAPE (7273) – Trained sexual assault counselors available 24/7
StarVista – Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center
Crisis Line: (650) 579-0350 or (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255)
RESOURCES
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence.
Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN): The largest anti-sexual violence organization. Provides information and resources to help survivors, educate the public, improve public policy, and train and consult.
Youth Services
HELPLINES
California Youth Crisis Line: Provides crisis intervention counseling and resource referrals to service providers in the caller’s local community.
(800) 843-5200 – Available 24/7
National US Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 422-4453
OnYourMind – Peer Supported Teen Crisis Chat: StarVista program that provides a safe and anonymous place for teens & youth to talk, find support, and explore resources. You can talk about anything that’s on your mind- including relationships, school, depression, stress, suicide, friends, parents, cutting, identity, and health. All are welcome on the chat.
T.A.L.K Line – 24 Hour Parental Support Line. Offers compassionate support to parents and caregivers of children under the age of 18 in the Bay Area. Operates 24/7 by trained volunteers. Provides support, information, and service referrals.
(415) 441-KIDS (5437), https://safeandsound.org/for-parents/get-help-now/
Your House South: Hotline for youth, including runaways, aged 10-17, experiencing family problems.
(650) 367-9687
RESOURCES
Stress Health: Understanding Signs of Toxic Stress in Youth
Mental Health Guide for Teens (in English & Spanish) – Provided by NAMI of Santa Clara County. Provides warning signs, how to get help, who to talk to, local and digital resources
Adolescent Counseling Services: Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) exists to support the well-being of all teens, tweens, and young adults ages 10-25 in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. ACS offers therapy, groups, addiction treatment, and LBGTQ+ support.
(650) 424-0852
Family and Children Services of Silicon Valley: Offers a variety of counseling, education, and prevention programs and services that support the emotional well-being of communities. Offers specialized services and programs for veterans, adults in the criminal justice system with a dual diagnosis, deaf and hard of hearing, survivors of domestic violence, LGBTQ+, and substance use. Offices in Palo Alto and San Jose. Takes Medical.
(650) 326-6576 or (408) 292-9353
Parent’s Place/Center for Children & Youth: parenting classes and workshops, mental health services for children and families, assessments and evaluations, psychiatric services, adoption support, and teen and parent support for San Francisco Bay Area.
(888) 927-0839
Peninsula Family Service: Offers early learning programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. After-school enrichment for school-age children; job resources, training, and placement for older workers, senior peer counseling. Transition of care programs for older adults.
(650) 403-4300
Senior Services
HELPLINES
Institute on Aging Friendship Line: If you need a friendly voice or support. For persons over 60, or adults with disabilities. In English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.
(800) 971-0016 – Available 24/7
RESOURCES
40 Mental Health Resources for Seniors: Information and resources on general health, dementia & Alzheimer’s, anxiety and stress, and community and engagement.
Meditation Guide for Older Adults
Promoting Mental Health in Seniors – from Aging.com. Promoting mental health, risk factors, signs and symptoms, and treatment and care strategies.
National Council on Aging (Behavioral Health for Seniors): Resources and tools for aging.
OASIS (Older Adult System of Integrated Services): Provides outpatient mental health services in San Mateo County to older adults at their place of residence.Includes psychiatric medications, case management, and therapy.
(650) 573-3689
Other Senior Resources
Veterans
HELPLINES
Veteran Crisis Line: 24/7 confidential peer support for Veterans and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Dial 988, Press 1
Text 838255
(855) 838-8255
RESOURCES
CalVet Mental Health Services – Serves California veterans and their families. Provides information, services and programs for veterans.
Give an Hour— free access to mental health services, peer support groups for veterans and their families
Real Warriors Campaign: A Defense Department public awareness campaign to encourage help-seeking behavior for service members, veterans and families coping with psychological health concerns. Visit the website to find digital and print educational materials, and videos that demonstrate that reaching out is a sign of strength.
LGBTQ
Family Court Services
Clinics, Counseling Centers & Low Fee Options
Christian Counseling Centers: Offers individual psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as couples and family therapy, and group therapy in many languages and regardless of religion.
To contact a local office in the Bay Area, click here
HOPE Program: HOPE Program is an outpatient mental health clinic specializing in working with adult and adolescent clients in individual and group settings. Services include individual, couples, family, and group therapy, as well as forensic assessments and treatment. Serves San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
For information, call (800) 764-8068
Kara: Grief Counseling Services: Kara is a nonprofit organization serving the San Francisco Bay Area that provides comprehensive grief support, crisis intervention, and education to individuals and communities facing the difficult realities of death and loss. Serves children, adolescents, adults, first responders, and caregivers. Services in Spanish.
(650) 321-5272
Mental Health Association of San Mateo County Provides services for adults with mental illnesses including housing, case management, and social programs.
(650) 368-3345
StarVista: StarVista is a non-profit organization that has been helping people throughout San Mateo County navigate life’s challenges for over 50 years. Our counseling, crisis prevention, youth housing, and outreach programs reach tens of thousands of people in our community each year.
(650) 591-9623
YMCA Youth Service Bureau and Mental Health Services: Offers clinical counseling services in our three clinics in San Mateo County on a sliding fee scale and free to Medi-Cal and Victims of Crime (VOC) recipients.
See NAMI WEBSITES for LOCAL RESOURCES:
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a national organization that has local chapters. Each chapter offers support and resources for local residents. See each chapter website for their extensive links and/or guides to local mental health resources, including psychiatric emergency rooms, hospitals, local agencies, and counseling centers, resources for specific populations (youth, elderly, LGBTQ+, etc.), as well as tips and useful tools.
NAMI of San Mateo County: Support, education, resources, and advocacy for mental health clients and their families.
(650) 638-0800
Useful Links to Resources and Services in San Mateo County that include listings for hospitals, clinics and counseling centers, community service agencies, housing resources, and youth, teen, and young adult services.
NAMI of Santa Clara County: Support, education, resources, and advocacy for mental health clients and their families.
(408) 453-0400
Useful Links to Resources and Services in Santa Clara County that include legal resources, community resources (e.g., housing), youth resources, and local mental health resources (e.g., listing of mental health medical facilities, county services, low-cost clinics, and counseling centers, and tips for finding treatment)
NAMI of San Francisco: Support, education, resources, and advocacy for mental health clients and their families.
(415) 237-0039
Mental Health Resource Guides for San Francisco County on Mental Health Services & Support (hospitals, substance abuse treatment and programs, community clinics, outpatient and inpatient services, housing, medication, etc.), Mental Health for Diverse Populations (Asian American, Black and African American, Latin X, LGBTQ+, Older Adults), SF Youth & Families, and SF Crisis Services.
NAMI of Alameda County: Support, education, resources, and advocacy for mental health clients and their families.
(510) 560-6407
Useful Links to Resources and Services in Alameda County to mental health services (hospitals and clinics, substance abuse treatment programs, youth, and senior service) as well as other local services (housing, transportation, legal aid, and job support).
NAMI of Contra Costa County: Support, education, resources, and advocacy for mental health clients and their families.
(925) 942-0767
Useful Links to Resources and Services in Contra Costa County
NAMI of Marin County: Support, education, resources, and advocacy for mental health clients and their families.
(415) 444-0480
Mental Health Resource Guide for Marin County – Includes listings of psychiatric services, mental health clinics, programs and services, alcohol and drug treatment, legal aid, housing and vocational resources, and more.
See COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WEBSITES for local resources:
Check County websites for their services and programs as well as links to local resources.
San Mateo County Mental Health Services – Provides information, assessment, consultation, and referral.
(800) 686-0101 – Available 24/7
Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services – Provides information, assessment, consultation and referral
(800) 704-0900 – Available 24/7
Marin County Behavioral Health Services
Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services
San Francisco Community Behavioral Health Services
Contra Costa Community Behavioral Health Services
(888) 678-7277 – Access Line
LOW-FEE OPTIONS at GRADUATE PROGRAMS & TRAINING CENTERS
Access Institute – Therapy, psychiatry, assessments, referrals. Sliding scale
San Francisco
(415) 861-5449
California Institute of Integral Studies Counseling Clinics – Therapy, sliding scale
San Francisco
C G Jung Institute – candidates & analysts see low-fee patients in their own offices in SF and Bay Area. Low fee.
(415) 771-8055
Gronowski Center – Community Clinic – low fee, sliding scale
(650) 961-9300
Mountain View
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective – website that connects you to therapists that provide low fee, sliding scale
SFSU – Psychology Training Clinic – graduate and post-graduate students provide low-fee/sliding scale therapy.
San Francisco
(415) 338-2856
The Wright Institute Clinics – graduate students provide individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Sliding scale, low fee.
Berkeley
CBT Clinic – (510) 923-2241
Children and Adolescents – (510) 239-2018
Older Adult Services – (510) 239-2017
Psychodynamic Clinic – (510) 548-9716 or (510) 239-2012
National Organizations
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
American Counseling Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Psychological Society
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Center for Mental Health Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
Mental Health America (MHA): Provide support, treatment options, information about diagnoses, medication information, help with prescription medications, and help with insurance questions.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Helps individuals and families affected by mental illness through support, education, advocacy, and research. Each chapter has extensive local resources.
National Eating Disorders Association
(800) 931-2337 – Helpline available for support, resources & treatment options. M-Th 9am-9pm, Fri 9am-5pm ET.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Mental Health Association
National Women’s Health Resource Center
Pendulum.org – Bipolar Disorder Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts
Articles & Resources
Mental Health Screening (from Mental Health America)
Depression and How Therapy Can Help
Postpartum Health Alliance: Dedicated to raising awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety symptoms and disorders and providing support and treatment referrals to women and their families.
Supporting Mama’s: Helping new and expectant moms and their families overcome postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders by offering information, resources, support and hope.
Answers to Your Questions About Panic Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Information Center
The Gift From Within – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
NAMI National – Helpline Resource Directory
NAMI HelpLine volunteers and staff have compiled this directory of outstanding resources to help you identify possible options to meet your needs
Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Mental Health Resources (Each Mind Matters)
Latino Mental Health Resources (Each Mind Matters)
African American Mental Health Resources (Each Mind Matters)
LGBTQ Community Mental Health Resources (Each Mind Matters)
Native American Mental Health Resources (Each Mind Matters)
Man Therapy: Tools and resources that are helpful in tackling men’s stress and other mental health issues.
The National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine’s search engine with links to online medical journals can help you find information on a wide range of topics in health care.
Consumer Information