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.
- Call the Friendship Line at 1-800-971-0016.
- Learn more at www.ioaging.org.
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.
- Call 1-800-273-8255 to speak to a counselor. En español: 1-800-799-4889.
- Learn more at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
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.
- Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
- Or use the online crisis chat service at www.veteranscrisisline.net.
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.