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Helping everyone in San Mateo County live longer & better lives.
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Services: Mental Health & Substance Use

Overview

Mental Health and Substance Use

About Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Services

Services are provided by mental health clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, alcohol and drug counselors, peers, and others, through seven regional county behavioral health clinics (located in Daly City, San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Redwood City, and East Palo Alto) and a network of contracted community and private providers located throughout the county 

Specialty programs for specific populations, such as infants and their mothers, youth transitioning to adults, foster youth, older adults, and for various levels of care are also available. 

At Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, we care for the whole person with compassion and respect for your cultural values. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain long term health, wellness and recovery, and to foster healthy families and communities.

For more information about BHRS services, see the BHRS Brochure, [Spanish], [Chinese],[Tagalog], [Russian]. 

Mental Health Services

Overview

Behavioral Health Programs and Services Guide

Check out the Behavioral Health Programs and Services Guide: BHRS Programs and Services Guide!

This is a comprehensive, one stop resource for BHRS services and offerings in San Mateo County. It includes behavioral health services and program descriptions, contact information and how to request services.

The directory will be updated annually. The last update was February 2026. To request an edit, please contact HS_BHRS_Communications@smcgov.org. 

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COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

Overview

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is changing everyday life for us all.  For many, this means adapting to unexpected changes in our daily routines, such as school, work, social or family life, and for others, it can be even more challenging when it involves having to let go of an important event, dealing with financial pressures or facing the loss of a loved one.  Adjusting to these new realities and the uncertainties of the future, can bring about strong emotions in both adults and children that can feel overwhelming at times.

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Alcohol and Other Drugs Services

Overview

Substance Use Treatment Services

If you or a loved one is dealing with drug addiction, alcoholism, prescription drugs or chemical dependency, seeking help is the first step in recovery. As the mental health and substance use plan for Medi-Cal beneficiaries residing in San Mateo County, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) offers free consultation, assessment, linkages, and referrals to a network of contracted community-based substance use treatment providers throughout the County.  Call our Access Call Center for assistance at 1 (800) 686-0101, TTY (for hearing impaired): dial 711.

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Insurance

Overview

Health Coverage

We Can Help You Get Covered 

San Mateo County Health’s Health Coverage Unit (HCU) helps residents get access to health care. Our enrollment counselors guide you through the process, explain your options and help you apply. This service is free. 

Call us at 650-616-2002 or email info-hcu@smcgov.org. One call connects you to the program that best fits your needs. Make an appointment for a free health coverage screening, even if you think you won’t qualify or already have private insurance that’s not from a job. 

Who Qualifies 

Eligibility for health coverage depends on: 

  • Income – Programs have income limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 
  • Immigration status – Many programs are available regardless of immigration status. Legal status is not required for County-funded coverage. 
  • Where you live 
  • Other factors – Age, disability, family size or medical need. 

Our team will review your situation and let you know which program you qualify for. 

Programs We Can Connect You To 

State, Federal Programs and Non-Governmental Programs

  • Medi-Cal – Free or low-cost health coverage for children and adults with limited income. 
  • Covered California – State’s insurance marketplace with tax credits and cost-sharing help. 
  • Medicare – Health coverage for adults 65+ and some people with disabilities. 
  • Kaiser Community Health Coverage Program (CHCP) – Free health coverage for children and adults with limited income who don’t have access to other health coverage.
  • Special Programs – Family Planning, Access and Treatment (PACT), Every Woman Counts (EWC) and Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP). 

County Programs 

  • Access to Care for Everyone (ACE) – Health benefits for uninsured, low-income residents ages 19 and above. 
  • Charity Care – Free hospital and clinic care for those who cannot pay their bill. 
  • Discounted Health Care (DHC) – 65% discount for uninsured or those with high medical costs. 
  • Financial Hardship Assistance (FHA) – Waives bills if you are facing financial hardship. 
  • Sliding Fee Scale – Reduced costs for farmworkers and people experiencing homelessness. 

How to Apply 

We make it easy to apply:

  1. Call us at 650-616-2002 to start your application.
  2. You can also apply online, in person, by phone or with partner agencies.
  3. To better serve you, appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome at all locations.  

Locations and Hours: 

Monday – Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM  
Thursday*: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM  
*We close at 2:30 PM the 2nd Thursday of each month.  

  • Coastside Clinic
    225 S. Cabrillo Hwy., 100A, Half Moon Bay 
    Open Mondays only 
  • Daly City Clinic 
    380 90th Street, Daly City 
  • Fair Oaks Health Center 
    2710 Middlefield Road, Redwood City 
  • San Mateo Medical Center 
    222 West 39th Ave, San Mateo 
    1st floor, SMMC Information Desk, 2nd floor, 
    Nursing Wing, outside 2AB 

What to Bring: 

  • Proof of income for all working members of the household (if any) 
  • Proof of identity 
  • Proof of address 
  • Social Security or Tax ID number (if you have one) 
  • Immigration or work documents (if you have them) 

Call Us Today 

Call 650-616-2002 or email info-hcu@smcgov.org. Our team will connect you with the right program and make sure you and your family are covered. 

Additional Resources 

Community Information Handbook – a resource guide for the residents of San Mateo County including nonprofit agencies, government programs, and community organizations. English or Spanish 

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New Client Information Spanish

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New Client Information English

Overview

Client & Family Welcome Information

Welcome to San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

In order to give you an initial orientation about the services available to you, we have carefully assembled this Welcome Packet that includes all the information you need to start accessing our network of care. 

This information is available in paper form without charge upon request. You will receive a copy within 5 business days. Please contact your provider or the BHRS ACCESS Call Center at: (800) 686-0101 or TTY (for hearing impaired): dial 711

*Providers: Items with an asterisk* must be placed in the lobby of all BHRS County and Contractor Clinics.

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New Client Information Chinese

Overview

Client & Family Welcome Information: Chinese

歡迎來到San Mateo縣行為健康和康復服務部 (Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, BHRS)

為了向您提供可用服務的初步導覽，我們審慎地準備了這個「歡迎資料包」，其中涵蓋存取護理網路所需的一切資訊。

*服務提供者： 請務必將標示星號*的物品放置在所有BHRS縣與承包商診所大廳內。

提供給患者的遠距醫療資源

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New Client Information Filipino

Overview

Client & Family Welcome Information: Filipino/Tagalog

Welcome sa Mga Serbisyo sa Kalusugang Nauugnay sa Pag-uugali at Pagpapagaling (Behavioral Health and Recovery Services) ng San Mateo County

Upang mabigyan ka ng panimulang oryentasyon tungkol sa mga serbisyong available sa iyo, maingat naming binuo ang Welcome Packet na ito na nagsasaad sa lahat ng impormasyong kailangan mo upang ma-access ang aming network ng pangangalaga.

*Mga Provider: Ang mga item na may asterisk* ay dapat ilagay sa lobby ng lahat ng Klinika ng County at Contractor ng BHRS.

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Support for Clients & Family

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Suicide Prevention

Overview
Pain isn't always obvious. Know the Signs. Find the Words. Reach Out. Learn the warning signs of suicide : suicideispreventable.org.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is preventable. You can be the one to help.

Most people having suicidal thoughts are in a temporary, serious crisis. You can be the one to provide the support and help they need by taking three steps: know the signs of someone who is having suicidal thoughts, find the words to have a direct conversation with them and reach out for help from the many county resources available to those in crisis and their loved ones.

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Suicide Prevention Month

Overview

2026 Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month!

San Mateo County joins communities across California and the nation in recognizing Suicide Prevention Month in September, National Suicide Prevention Week, September 6–12, and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. 

This observance reinforces a critical message: suicide is preventable, and every member of our community can play a role in offering hope, connection, and support. 

The 2026 theme, “The Weight We Carry,” recognizes that many people, particularly men and boys of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, may carry invisible burdens such as emotional pain, stress, grief, isolation, and social expectations. Consistent with the State Governor’s Executive Order N-31-25 and the Board’s 2024 resolution recognizing loneliness as a public health crisis, this observance calls on our community to reduce stigma, strengthen belonging and social connection, and ensure that no one carries these burdens alone.

Carry Hope Forward, Together: Tips and Reminders:

We all carry different kinds of weight. You don’t have to carry it alone. Together, we can carry hope forward.

  • Notice what you’re carrying. Stress, grief, loneliness, and other pressures can add up. Recognize when you may need support.​
  • Share the weight. Talk with someone you trust. Connecting with a friend, family member, peer, or counselor can help you feel less alone.
  • Find support your way. Connect with people who support you, seek professional help, or call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support.
  • Reach out early. You don’t have to wait for a crisis. A simple check-in or honest conversation can make a difference.
  • Help carry hope. Check in, listen without judgment, and remind others that they matter. You don’t need all the answers—being there can help.
  • Keep hope moving forward. Connection, support, and small steps can lighten the load. You are not alone. Support is available. There is hope.

 Suicide prevention ribbon

Each year, San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee (SPC) promotes free events throughout the month of September to promote Suicide Prevention Month. All events are free and open to the public. This year’s events will be in-person and/or virtual.

Visit our Attend Events page for the most up-to-date event info. 

Keep visiting this site for updates on 2026 Suicide Prevention Month.

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Community Education

Overview

Community Education & Programs

Learn about and get certified in Mental Health First Aid, which helps you identify and respond to mental health crises; take a Parent Project course to learn parenting skills and get information about resources and support available in your communities; become a Health Ambassador and help other members of your community who may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or a substance use problem; or become a graduate of the Lived Experience Academy to empower others in furthering their healing process.

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Get Involved

Overview

Get Involved

We offer a variety of ways to get involved to help yourself or your family, friends and community and to have a voice in the behavioral health services provided in San Mateo County.

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