Sign In
Skip to Main Content
  • Sacramento County
  • Live/Visit |
  • Business |
  • Government |
  • Search

SACCOUNTY NEWS

  • Twitter - Sacramento County
  • Facebook - Sacramento County
  • Instagram - Sacramento County
  • More News
      • 2023 Stories
      • 2022 Stories
      • 2021 Stories
      • 2020 Stories
      • 2019 Stories
      • 2018 Stories
      • 2017 Stories
      • 2016 Stories
      • 2015 Stories
  • Events
      • Countywide Calendar
      • Sacramento365
  • Photo / Video
      • Video Galleries
      • Photo Galleries
  • Public Information
      • Public Information Office
      • County Press Releases
      • Public Records Act Requests
      • Contact Us

Mental Health Services Available Amid COVID-19

4/30/2020
Health & Social Services

Page Image
Woman on a behavioral health tele-call.
Image Caption
Evernote
 
 

Article Date: Thursday, April 30, 2020

Page Content
Sacramento County has experienced increased mental health crisis calls to law enforcement since the COVID-19 public health stay at home order went into effect. Fear and isolation can have a devastating impact on anyone, particularly those who struggle with mental health issues.  If you or loved ones need help, there are behavioral health services available to help before there is a mental health crisis. 

“As we continue to stay home and practice social distancing, we can expect to feel isolated or worried, but when these feelings grow, we need to be aware of the escalation in order to get support for ourselves and for loved ones,” said Ryan Quist, Sacramento County Behavioral Health Director. 

COVID-19 has made connecting remotely a necessity. Recognizing this, health providers are conducting behavioral health appointments via telephone or video telehealth – which allows appointments from the comfort of your own home. 

Anyone who has mental health concerns is encouraged to actively seek support and services from their Health Insurance Provider to request telephone or video telehealth services (or, in-person, when available) as behavioral health coverage is a federally-required insurance benefit.

The Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services Division serves Sacramento County residents, for those with, or who are eligible for, Medi-Cal and offers: 
  • Over-the-phone assessment and referral to a mental health service provider. Call the Mental Health Access Team: (916) 875-1055, or toll free (888) 881-4881, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Support to youth, and parents/caregivers of youth. Call or text 916-SUPPORT (787-7678), or go to www.thesourcesacramento.com​ for online chat.
  • Guidance on how to approach a loved one about seeking mental health services. Contact the Community Support Team for information and resources: (916) 874-6015, Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Immediate mental health and/or co-occurring substance abuse services. Call the Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic: 916-520-2460
  • Mobile Crisis Support Teams who work with law enforcement to provide mental health care while working to maintain community safety when there is a mental health crisis in the community.
 
Strategies for Maintaining Mental Health
During these unprecedented times of uncertainty, it is important to find ways to manage stress. If you know someone who is struggling, reach out and ask how they are feeling. If you are struggling and need to talk, simply call, 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  The Hope Cooperative Peer Support Line is also available to talk about feelings of anxiety or who​ need supportive listening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call 1-855-502-3224, Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Here are some additional mental health resources:
  • Manage Your Mental Health and Stress Levels During COVID-19 (County)
  • Get Mental Health Services Information (County)
  • Stop Stigma Sacramento - Mental Illness: It's not always what you think. (County)
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sacramento: Online Support Groups
  • Emotional Support and Wellbeing (CA)  
  • Managing Stress for Health (CA) 
  • ​Each Mind Matters / SanaMente (CalMHSA)


More Helpful Strategies to Cope with Stress 
  • MAINTAIN ROUTINES of normal sleep and meals. 
  • STAY INFORMED by seeking out credible sources such as the CDC, WHO, and local government. Limit the amount of time you’re watching news reports that make you feel stressed. 
  • STAY ACTIVE by exercising and enjoying the outdoors while maintaining social distance.
  • STAY CONNECTED. Technology makes this easier than ever! 
    • Use video-chat, like FaceTime, with friends or family members to prepare and enjoy a meal together. 
    • Connect with older adults, and for those in congregate living, find ways to safely reach out and let them know they aren’t forgotten.  
    • When you’re feeling like you are managing your stress, this is a great time to reach out and support others who are in need or are alone and recruit others to do the same. When you need support, don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to others about what you’re feeling.
  • EXPRESS GRATITUDE.  Many of us know healthcare workers and other essential employees who are tirelessly working on the front lines protecting and serving us. Find ways to say thank you for the hard work they’re doing. 

Did you know that studies have shown that helping others also improves your own ability to successfully respond to stress? Sacramento County Department of Health Services challenges everyone to reach out and connect with three people each day in some meaningful way. 
  • Remember to be sensitive and understanding as everyone responds differently to stress. 
  • Acknowledge each other’s emotional reactions as normal and to be expected. 
  • Offer your support and do something nice for someone, even if it’s as simple as having a meal delivered.  

Learn about other COVID-19 resources on Sacramento County's COVID-19 ​webpage.​​

Contact Info:

SC Contact Information

​Brenda​ Bongiorno​, Sacramento County Public Information Office

Latest Headlines

  • Secured Property Tax Bills Mailed This Month
  • County Executive Announces Retirement
  • A Journey from Homelessness to Hope and Stability
  • Grant Funding Available for Water-Related Projects
  • Safe Sleep Baby Education: A Lifesaving Initiative

Categories

  • Animals/Pets/Insects
  • Art & Things To Do
  • County Governance, Operations, Policy
  • Economic Development, Community Planning, Agriculture
  • Emergency/Preparedness
  • Green & Technology
  • Health & Social Services
  • Homelessness
  • Law/Justice
  • Media Releases / Advisories
  • Parks/Recreation
  • Taxes & Voting
  • Transportation & Airports
  • Utility & Residential Services

News Archive

  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014

Photo Gallery
Check out our photo galleries showcasing the beauty of Sac County and our work to ensure it.
Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Check out our videos about SacCounty Services.
Video Gallery
Sacramento365
A website designed to serve as the all-inclusive arts and entertainment resource for Sacramento County.
Sacramento365
More News
2023 Stories
2022 Stories
2021 Stories
2020 Stories
2019 Stories
2018 Stories
2017 Stories
2016 Stories
2015 Stories
Events
Countywide Calendar
Sacramento365
Galleries
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Public Information
Public Information Office
County Press Releases (2016-2010)
Public Records Act Requests
Contact Us

SACCOUNTY NEWS

Connect with us
Sign-up for news updates
Sign Up >
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Email
  • Sacramento Alert
  • LinkedIn
  • Flickr
  • News
  • Metro Cable
  • Instagram
© Copyright by SACCOUNTY NEWS
Website Policies Use | Contact Us | Report a Problem | Connect with Us | Website Feedback Form
Search