Resources

Alameda County

Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH) is the lead agency providing coordination of mental health and substance use services in Alameda County. Primarily, ACBH services are for individuals on Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is a public health insurance that provides health care services to low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, and pregnant women. Alameda County established a central point of contact and coordination through the Acute Crisis Care and Evaluation (ACCESS) for System-wide Services Program. Alameda County residents may call this number to be referred to all County mental health and substance abuse services.

To look into obtaining Alameda County Behavioral Health referrals and services call their ACCESS 24-hour Hotline: (800) 491-9099 or visit their website for more insight on services and providers available.

Contact

Family Education & Resource Center
7677 Oakport St. Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94621

Warm Line: (888) 896-3372
Office: (510) 746-1700

Children

Mental Health Resources

Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH) is the lead agency providing coordination of mental health and substance use services in Alameda County. ACBH offers access to treatment and support programs for children with mental health support needs, including those classified as Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED). Services are primarily provided for children on Medi-Cal or who are uninsured but still low-income. The populations served include:

  • Young children and youth in the community who have mental health disorders
  • Children receiving special education services who have been referred by the schools to receive mental health services
  • Children in psychiatric inpatient facilities

  • Youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system and also have mental health needs

Early & Periodic Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment (EPSDT)

Medi-Cal EPSDT is an entitlement for children, 0 up to age 21, who are Medi-Cal eligible. It is designed to provide comprehensive mental health services that can mitigate mental health problems. These services often include coordination, case management, and an approach that includes family and other providers in the treatment plan.

The following groups have increased mental health services under EPSDT: children 0 to 5 years old, children in foster care, children with a dual diagnosis of substance use and mental illness, and school-based services.  Agencies using EPSDT funding are generally able to take direct referrals from primary care providers of children with full-scope Medi-Cal. To look into obtaining Alameda County Behavioral Health referrals and services including EPSDT, call their ACCESS 24-hour hotline: (800) 491-9099.

Children & Youth Hotlines

  • Alameda County Crisis Support Youth Text Line: Text “Safe” to 20121 (4pm to 11pm daily)
  • California Youth Crisis Line (800) 843-5200
  • Children in Immediate Risk or Danger  (800) 843-5678
  • Covenant House Nineline (800) 999-9999
  • Kid Help (800) 543-7283
  • National Youth Crisis Hotline (800) 448-4663
  • Youth Crisis Hotline Information & Referral for Youth in Crisis (800) 448-4663

Parent Resources

  • National Parent Helpline (855) 427-2736

Youths

Mental Health Resources

Transition Age Youth (TAY) are youth ages approximately 16 to 24 who are struggling with mental health issues and sometimes substance use issues. As these young people transition into adulthood, they face a series of additional challenges like navigating relationships, higher education, jobs, and independence. The county’s TAY system of care includes programming for youth and young adults designed to support community building and wellness. 

To look into obtaining Alameda County Behavioral Health referrals and services including learning more about the TAY system of care, call their ACCESS 24-hour hotline: (800) 491-9099 or (510) 567-8100.

Adults

Mental Health Resources

Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH) is the lead agency providing coordination of mental health and substance use services in Alameda County. ACBH offers access to treatment and support programs for adults with mental health support needs, including those experiencing Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Services are primarily provided for adults on Medi-Cal or those who are low-income and uninsured. 

The City of Berkeley operates its own mental health system (outpatient services only) for its residents and those of Albany. For mental health services, Berkeley and Albany residents may call (510) 981-5290.

Asian ACCESS is a program of Asian Community Mental Health Services. Asian ACCESS provides mental health information, treatment referrals, a free one-time mental health screening, and short-term treatment. Staff are fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese; services in other Asian languages and dialects by arrangement. For these services call: (510) 869-7200, or visit their office in Oakland at 310 8th Street, Suite 201.

Casa del Sol is a program of La Clinica de La Raza, and provides bilingual Spanish and bicultural mental health services; including individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. For these services call: (510) 535-6200, or visit their Oakland office at 1501 Fruitvale Avenue.

Sausal Creek Outpatient Clinic offers psychiatric assessments, medication support, co-occurring support services, linkages to other support services, and walk-in services for adults who have a serious chronic mental illness. For these services call: (510) 437-2363, or visit their Oakland office at 2620 26th Avenue.

To look into obtaining Alameda County Behavioral Health referrals and services for Adults, call their ACCESS 24-hour hotline at (800) 491-9099 or (510) 567-8100.

Senior

Mental Health Resources

Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH) is the lead agency providing coordination of mental health and substance use services in Alameda County. ACBH offers access to treatment and support programs for adults with mental health support needs, including those experiencing Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Services are primarily provided for older adults on Medi-Cal or who are uninsured but still low-income.

North and Central Alameda County is served by the Senior In-Home Counseling Program of the Crisis Support Services of Alameda county. The target population is seniors who are homebound and/or socially isolated, who would benefit from weekly counseling, and who otherwise would not have access to mental health services.  Specialized support groups and in-office programs are also offered.

The City of Fremont offers several emotional support resources for Seniors including in-home assessment of mental health needs, medication support and management, individual and family therapy, assistance in finding services, and crisis intervention. Contact them via the multilingual Senior Help Line at (510) 574-2041.

East Alameda County seniors are served by the Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley. They provide case management, alcohol and drug management, friendly visitors, and more. Seniors can of course access all adult services but should be aware of and take advantage of services tailored to their specific needs. For example, many seniors are able to remain in their own homes with a small amount of supplemental care. The In Home Supportive Services of the Alameda County Social Services Agency (ACSSA) is one such care provider. 

Check out the contact information for the Alameda County Adult & Aging Services Departments, or the various Adult & Aging Services Department resources. The Alameda County Area Agency on Aging (AAA), another division of ACSSA, has several handbooks to help with senior’s resources:

  • North County Senior Services: Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Oakland, and Piedmont
  • Central County Senior Services: Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro, San Lorenzo
  • South County Senior Services: Fremont, Newark, Union City
  • East County Senior Services: Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, Sunol
  • Housing Guide for Seniors in Alameda County
  • Senior Centers in Alameda County for socialization
  • Resource Page for these Guides in English and in Spanish, Farsi, and in Chinese as well as the quarterly seniors newsletter, Senior Update

Legal help for older adults can be found at Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS).  LAS is the Alameda County provider of the state’s Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP). HICAP provides Medicare community education, individual help to Medicare recipients as well as long term care related issues. California’s main page for HICAP is within the California Department of Aging.

To look into obtaining Alameda County Behavioral Health referrals and services for senior adults, call their ACCESS 24-hour hotline at (800) 491-9099 or (510) 567-8100.

Contact Us

To Get the Support You Need

Being a caregiver is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Family Education & Resource center supports the families and caregivers of children, youth, adults, and seniors working through mental health challenges. Our dedicated team, extensive program offerings, peer support groups, and resource library are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to connect with an advocate.