Health Alert

COVID-19 Information for Members

Get Professional Help

for mental health or substance use issues 

COVID-19 has caused an increase in both mental health and substance use problems. If you need help with one or both of these issues, use the resources below to get support or treatment. If you are not sure whether you need help, learn the signs that you may have a mental health, alcohol or drug problem or call the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) ACCESS Call Center at 1-800-686-0101. TDD users call 1-800-943-2833.

Covered Benefit

Your HPSM benefits cover treatment for mental health & substance use. 

If you are not already in treatment

Call the BHRS ACCESS Call Center at 1-800-686-0101. TDD users call 1-800-943-2833. Ask for a referral to a therapist. Leave a message with your name and call-back number and someone from BHRS will return your call. 

If you are already in treatment

Contact your mental health professional or substance abuse treatment program directly. Ask for help or update them on how you are doing.

If you are being treated at a county mental health clinic

Visit www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices for guidance.

Community Resources

San Mateo County has a rich network of local mental health and substance use support resources. HPSM members can use these resources along with their HPSM benefits. Below is a list of resources for:

  • Crisis & emotional support
  • Domestic Violence
  • Mental health & substance use

The list includes information about how these resources can help and how to contact them. If you have questions about which resources can best meet your needs, contact HPSM to get personalized referrals.

Crisis & emotional support

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA)

Help for those facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

  • Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
  • or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Learn more at www.samhsa.gov.

Institute on Aging Friendship Line

Phone-based crisis intervention and non-emergency emotional support for those 60 and over.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7.

Veterans Crisis Line

Veterans and family of veterans in crisis can reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Support is free, confidential and available every day, 24/7.

Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF)

Provides assistance via phone and webchat on a nondiscriminatory basis to anyone in need.

  • For non-emergency emotional support, call the Peer-Run Warm Line: 1-855-845-7415.
  • Learn more at www.mentalhealthsf.org.

StarVista

Provides counseling, crisis prevention, youth housing, and early childhood programs in San Mateo County.

  • Call the 24-hour support hotline: 650-579-0350.
  • Peer supported teen crisis chat is available at www.onyourmind.net. Hours for chat are 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Monday through Thursday.

Domestic violence

Domestic Violence Hotline

  • Call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). Advocates are available 27/7. All calls are free and confidential.
  • Or start a confidential, one-on-one online chat session with an advocate. Learn more at www.thehotline.org.

Communities Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA)

Provides counseling, support and shelter to those affected by intimate partner abuse.

  • Call their 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-300-1080.

Mental health & substance use

Alcoholics Anonymous - San Mateo County chapter

  • Call the 24 Hour Helpline at 650-577-1310. En español: 650-679-2374.
  • You can also get a referral to talk within a group on-line or over the phone. Learn more at www.aa-san-mateo.org.

Peninsula Area Narcotics Anonymous

  • Call the support line at 650-802-5950.
  • See the schedule of upcoming virtual and physical meetings at www.peninsulana.org. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA)

Help for those facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

  • Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
  • Or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Learn more at www.samhsa.gov.