Skip to main content Skip to site navigation
San Mateo County Health
Helping everyone in San Mateo County live longer & better lives.
Menu
Search

Crisis Services

Overview

Crisis Services

two women - providing supportWe all want to protect the people we love, but sometimes we cannot do it on our own. If a family member or friend is in a mental health crisis and at risk of harming themselves or others, call the police – even though you or your family member may be upset or afraid – to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Find resources below that can help you and the people around you in and after a mental health emergency or crisis event.

*** See COVID-19 behavioral health information and resources here.***

If you are Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency

Call or Text 9-1-1

Call or text 9-1-1 (ask for a Crisis Intervention Trained [CIT] officer) or go to your nearest hospital emergency room if you can safely get there. See Guidelines for calling 911 in a mental health emergency to help prepare yourself.  Watch a brief video about texting 9-1-1.

Psychiatric Emergency Services

Psychiatric Emergency Services are available at:
San Mateo Medical Center
(650) 573-2662
222 West 39th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
(650) 696-5915
1501 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010

How to provide information about a family or friend

​Provide information about a family member or friend who is being evaluated for involuntary treatment with the following form:

Information from Family Member or Other Concerned Party (AB1424 form)​

24/7 Crisis Hotlines 

Local Crisis Hotline

StarVista Crisis Cetner

  • Call the San Mateo County Crisis Line run by StarVista directly at: (650) 579-0350 
  • Find local crisis resources at San Mateo County’s Starvista Crisis Center: sanmateocrisis.org

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formally known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)

  • Call, text, or chat 988 or 1-800-273-8255
  • 1 (888) 628-9454 Spanish speakers
  • 1 (800) 985-5990 Disaster Distress Helpline or text TALKSWITHUS to 66746
  • Chat online

Visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for additional phone/chat options (online chat, Spanish speakers, Veterans, deaf or hard of hearing, or disaster distress line), resources, and to learn the warning signs. Download the Warning Signs Lifeline Wallet Card.

Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support. Text BAY to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor. Learn how it works.

Youth/Teen Crisis Services

S.O.S Team

Teen Text Line and Teen Chat
Monday – Thursday, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. PST
Teen Text Line: 650-747-6463
Teen Chat: sanmateocrisis.org
More on StarVista’s Teen Crisis Services

Youth Stabilization, Opportunity, and Support (S.O.S.) Team – for youth ages 0-25
StarVista’s Crisis Center now offers a Specialized Mobile Crisis Response Service for youth ages 0-25. The Youth Stabilization, Opportunity, and Support (S.O.S.) team responds to children and youth that are experiencing an escalation of mental and behavioral health symptoms (such as suicidal ideation/intent, self-injurious behaviors, undiagnosed mental health disorders, etc).  Call the StarVista Crisis Hotline at 650-579-0350.

Learn more on StarVista’s Youth S.O.S. webpage or download their flier.

California Family Urgent Response Program (FURS) – for current/former foster youth and caregivers

  • Are you a current or former foster youth? Having problems at home? Frustrated? Need someone to talk to?  Are you a caregiver of a current or former foster youth? Are you feeling frustrated? Would you like additional support?
  • Call or text the free 24/7/365 Hotline for former or current foster youth and caregivers in need of trauma support at 1-833-939-3877
  • You will be connected to a trained counselor or peer who will listen to you. If you want more support, a team can come directly to where you are and help stabilize your situation and keep you safe.   
  • Learn more about FURS at www.cal-furs.org. 
Mental Health Hotlines for LGBTQ+ Teens

LGBT National Youth Talkline
(800) 246-PRIDE (7743)

Trevor Lifeline
(866) 488-7386

Trevortext
For LGBTQ youth: text START to 678678

Domestic Violence Hotline – 1 (800) 799-7233 (SAFE) or chat, 24/7.

Veterans Crisis Line 

Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support.
Call 1 (800) 273-8255 
Text 838255
Chat

Crisis Services

StarVista Crisis Hotline
StarVista’s Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center provides suicide intervention services and programs for San Mateo County residents, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, mobile youth crisis response team, online and text teen crisis support, and educational presentations to the community and schools.  Call the Crisis Hotline 24/7 at 650-579-0350.  Learn more about the StarVista Crisis Center.

Youth Stabilization, Opportunity, and Support (S.O.S.) Team – for youth ages 0-25
StarVista’s Crisis Center now offers a Specialized Mobile Crisis Response Service for youth ages 0-25. The Youth Stabilization, Opportunity, and Support (S.O.S.) team responds to children and youth that are experiencing an escalation of mental and behavioral health symptoms (such as suicidal ideation/intent, self-injurious behaviors, undiagnosed mental health disorders, etc).  Call the StarVista Crisis Hotline at 650-579-0350.

Learn more on StarVista’s Youth S.O.S. webpage or download their flier.

California Family Urgent Response Program (FURS) – for current/former foster youth and caregivers
StarVista’s S.O.S. Team also provides support for current/former foster youth and caregivers in need of trauma support. They can call or text StarVista’s free 24/7/365 Hotline at 833-939-3877 and be connected to a trained counselor or peer.  For more support, a team can go directly to them to help stabilize the situation and keep them safe.  Learn more about FURS at www.cal-furs.org.  

Serenity House Crisis Residential Treatment Program (CRT) – for adults 18+
Serenity House is a 13-bed short term respite/crisis residential program run by Telecare, the the new BHRS contracted provider, that reopened October 2022. The program serves adults age 18+ with a diagnosis of mental illness, including those with co-occurring substance use disorders. They provide care 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. The CRT will help people find relief from distress, maintain stability, and emphasize choice-making skills and harm-reduction techniques. Prior to arriving at the program, all referrals should call 650-539-0340 to access services.
Location: 3701 Hacienda St, San Mateo, CA 94403
Learn more.
Brochure​

Community Wellness Crisis Response Team (CWCRT) Pilot
The Community Wellness Crisis Response Team (CWCRT) program launched as a pilot in December 2021, in Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, and South San Francisco with two goals in mind: to provide an alternative to jail and overburdened hospital emergency rooms for non-violent individuals undergoing a behavioral health crisis and to free up police officers.  StarVista mental health clinicians are deployed by 9-1-1 along with police officers to calls involving individuals suspected of experiencing behavioral health crises, to help manage high-risk situations to improve outcomes and public safety.  Learn more. 

San Mateo Assessment and Referral Team (SMART)
Mental health-trained paramedics provide assessment assistance to law enforcement when dealing with a mental health crisis. SMART can transport individuals to a local hospital that provides psychiatric emergency services or to other appropriate services as necessary. Dispatched by law enforcement only.  Learn more. 

Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT)
A mental health clinician and Sheriff’s Office detective co-respond to mental health crises within San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office jurisdictions.  Dispatched by law enforcement only.  Learn more.

Mobile Support Services – Mateo Lodge
Mateo Lodge provides 24/7 outreach support services by the bilingual staff of the Mobile Support team which can be reached at (650) 368-3178 or (650) 363-8125. The Support Team addresses the immediate needs for crisis intervention, transportation, and homelessness or in danger of becoming homeless.

Integrated Medication Assisted Treatment (IMAT)
IMAT case managers are located at San Mateo Medical Center’s Emergency Department and Psychiatric Emergency Services educate and engage patients with opioid and alcohol use disorders in treatment services. For more information call IMAT at (650) 573-2735.  Learn more.

Intensive Case Management (ICM)
Case managers outreach to seriously mentally ill individuals in the community who are either unsheltered, at psychiatric emergency services (hospitalized) or referred by the community in an attempt to connect them to appropriate resources.  Call the Adult Resource Management team at (650) 372-3210.

Family Assertive Support Team (FAST)
In-home outreach service that offers assessment, consultation, and support services to adults (age 18+) experiencing a severe mental health problem and their designated family members.  Call FAST at (650) 368-3178 or (650) 363-8125. Learn more.

Redwood House
Redwood House located in Redwood City is a crisis residential program operated by Caminar that offers an alternative to hospitalization for individuals in the recovery process.  Residents at the Redwood House participate in a healing community environment that benefits from a wide selection of recovery-oriented groups, supportive and well-trained staff, excellent food, and plenty of opportunity for active engagement with the program.  The focus is on encouraging a return to the community, with an increased sense of support, hope, and determination.  Learn more.

Important Numbers and Resources 

Behavioral Health and Recovery Services - ACCESS Call Center
1-(800) 686-0101 or TTY for hearing impaired: dial 711
Information, assessment, and referrals for San Mateo County residents with Medi-Cal or with no insurance.  If you are privately insured, contact your health insurance provider. 

KARA – Grief Support for Children, Teens, Families, and Adults
(650) 321-5272

CORA – Communities Overcoming Relationship Abuse
(800) 300 – 1080 

Rape Trauma Services
(650) 692 – RAPE (7273)

Mental Health Services and Resources 
Support for Clients and Families

For First Responders (and Family)

Safe Call Now Anonymous Crisis Line
(206) 459-3020

National Helplines 

Disaster Distress Helpline
(800) 985-5990 |Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

Office for Victims of Crime
(800) 851- 3420 | TTY: (301) 947-8374

SAMHSA National Helpline
 (800) 662 – HELP (4357) | (800) 487-4889 (TDD)  

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is preventable. You can be the one to help. Find additional resources on our suicide prevention page.

Start the Conversation

Simply asking “Are you okay?” or “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling hopeless a lot lately” can open the door to a conversation about getting help.

Make it Home Safe 

The majority of people who survive suicide never attempt it again. Safely storing medicines and guns (if you own them) in the home removes the opportunity for someone to act.

Download this flyer to learn more about how suicide can be prevented with the help of family, friends, the community, and County services.

You or someone you know might not be thinking about suicide. However, you or someone you know may want a caring person to chat with about specific issues. See below for resources.

Make it Safe at School 

The Suicide Prevention Poster for schools is a tool that can be used to help faculty and staff remember the risk factors and warning signs of students at risk of suicide.

These posters are available from San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services in partnership with the San Mateo County Office of Education free of charge and are presented to faculty and staff along with a brief training on how to identify at risk students and what to do when they have been identified.
 

Get Trained to Help Others

Get certified in Mental Health First Aid by taking a free 8-hour public education training to help you identify and respond to mental health crises. Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid classes are available in English and Spanish. For more information visit smchealth.org/bhrs/ode/CommunityEd.

Does your community need help after a tragic event?

Crisis Response Team

San Mateo County Crisis Response Team (CRT) is available for consultation or direct services after a critical incident or traumatic event.  The team is available 24/7. CRT members receive specialized training in crisis response from the American Red Cross, receive QPR (Questions, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training and have experience in providing mental health interventions in a variety of circumstances. Situations may include, structural fires, the tragic death of a community member, violent incidents, suicide, car accident, natural disaster, etc. Individual or group psychological first aid, grief support counseling, connection to needed ongoing services, and crisis intervention counseling are offered free of charge.

The Crisis Response Team can be activated at any time. Local Agencies, Housing partners, Schools/School Districts, First Responders /Law enforcement, Community Based Organizations, and our County/City Systems can request support from the CRT by contacting the Crisis Response Team Coordinator via email or phone and will collect the initial information needed to initiate deployment of the CRT.

Tips for Survivors of Disasters and Other Traumatic Events 

Disasters and traumatic events can bring about significant stress. If you were involved in a disaster, you may be affected personally regardless of whether you were hurt or lost a loved one. This is especially true if you have experienced a previous disaster/traumatic event. It is important to monitor your physical and emotional health. Here is information on typical reactions to stressful events and tips for taking care your emotional health.

Emotional Support for You and Your Family After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
Supporting Your Child After a Disaster or Traumatic Event

Seek immediate help if you or someone you know is feeling that life isn’t worth living or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others.

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hotline
(650) 579-0350 | (800) 273-TALK (8255) | 

Emotional Reactions and Changes in Behavior 
  • Angry or irritable outbursts.
  • Guilty, even if you had no control over the event.
  • Feeling sad, tired, numb, lonely, or worried.
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
  • Increase/decrease in energy levels or activity levels.
  • Using drugs or alcohol in an attempt to reduce distressing feelings.
  • Difficulty accepting help or helping others.
Physical and Cognitive Reactions 
  • Stomachaches, headaches, and pains.
  • Eating too much or too little.
  • Sweating, chills, tremors, or muscle twitches.
  • Being jumpy or easily startled.
  • Difficulty remembering things and making decisions.
  • Difficulty thinking clearly and concentrating.
  • Difficulty talking about what happened.
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family
  • Take care of your safety - Find a safe place to stay. Seek medical attention if needed.
  • Eat Healthy - Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine, and drugs.
  • Get Some Rest - Try to get enough sleep and downtime every day.
  • Stay Connected with Family and Friends - Seek out support, connect with other survivors, connect with your faith community.
  • Be Patient With Yourself and Those Around You.
  • Set Priorities - Tackle tasks in small steps.
  • Body Movement - helps get rid of the buildup of extra stress hormones.
  • Deep Breaths - It can move stress out of your body and help calm yourself.
  • Use Known Coping Skills - What have you used in the past to help you get through difficult times, use those skills now.
Helping Children After a Disaster

Children can feel very frightened during a disaster and afterward some children will show temporary changes in behavior. For most children, these changes will be mild, not long-lasting, and diminish with time. For some children, their reactions can be more severe and last for longer periods of time. When parents or caregivers have the tools and ability to react calmly and confidently to the crisis they can be the best source of support to their children.  Here is what to look for and how you can help your child heal.

Common Reactions in Children After a Disaster 
  • Worrying about the safety of family, friends, pets.
  • Fearful the event may happen again, worried about their own safety.
  • Not wanting to be separated from parents or caregivers.
  • Irritability, increased anger outbursts, temper tantrums—fighting with friends or family for no reason.
  • Frequent changes in mood.
  • Being numb– not feeling at all.
  • Decreased concentration and attention (in school or at home).
  • Having periods of confusion.
  • Changes in sleep, not being able to fall asleep.
  • Change in appetite, eating too much or not at all.
  • Having stomachaches and headaches, talking about feeling sick.
  • Engaging in risk-taking behavior, such as reckless driving or drugs or alcohol use.
  • Difficulty leaving home, going to school, or engaging in social activities.
Helping Your Child Heal
  • Hold them, let them know you are there for them
  • Monitor and Limit your Child’s exposure to the media
  • Encourage your child to talk and listen to their concerns - Help them name how they feel and model healthy ways of expressing it
  • Calmly provide factual information about the event and what will happen next
  • Spend extra time with your child
  • Re-establish daily routines as soon as possible
  • Reconnect with supportive people, community, culture, and rituals
  • Follow your child’s lead – Different children need different things, watch their behavior to figure out needs
  • If they continue to be very upset, talk with a primary care physician or a mental health provider.

Seek immediate help if your child is feeling that life isn’t worth living or if they are having thoughts of harming themselves or others.

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hotline
(650) 579-0350 | (800) 273-TALK (8255) |   sanmateocrisis.org  

Teen Crisis Services
Monday – Thursday, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Teen Text Line: 650-747-6463
Teen Chat: sanmateocrisis.org