California Mental Health Resources
Mental Health in California
California is known as the Golden State, but when it comes to mental health, the state doesn’t shine as bright. According to the State of Mental Health in America report, in 2024, nearly 6.6 million adults experienced mental illness, while over 62% of young people with mental health disorders did not see treatment.
6.6 Million
California adults who experienced mental illness
Over 62%
Percentage of young people with mental health disorders, who did not see treatment
While the state ranks above the national average in terms of accessibility and awareness, the major hurdles, especially costs, have prevented Californians from finding mental health providers.
The California Department of Mental Health has responded to the crisis. The agency has partnered with other departments to make infrastructural changes in urban and education development with increased funding for green spaces and school programs in hopes of addressing environmental conditions that contribute to mental health disorders.
Nevertheless, cultural and economic disparities continue to impact minorities, the poor, and the less-educated parts of the population.
Free Mental Health Resources in California
Connection to local resources and free crisis counseling services for people affected by a disaster, free crisis counseling service providers, and self-help disaster-related educational materials.
Phone warmline line offering non-emergency emotional support for adults with disabilities who are age 60 or older and their caregivers. Languages spoken include English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Korean. Call 1-888-670-1360.
Provide Services for
Men
Women
Seniors
Provides free coaching for children ages 0-12 and their parents for help with social skills, emotional regulation, sleep problems, stress, or other behavioral health issues. Access services via video sessions, phone chat, or through educational materials. A phone app is also available. Register on the website.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
This agency’s website provides a Mental Health Resources for Youth section with links to numerous supportive organizations specializing in services for young adults and teens including organizations focusing on LGBTQ or trans youth, youth involved in foster care, and youth impacted by crime. Also includes family and school resources.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
LGBTQ
Disability
The California Department of Health Care Services website provides an opioid response section where information and links to programs related to opioid-related substance abuse treatments can be found. Programs include harm reduction, overdose prevention, MAT treatment programs, and access to the free California Atlas Treatment Locator directory.
Provide Services for
Depression
PTSD
Substance Abuse
A free phone app for Gen Z kids ages 13 to 18 to offer support for personal and peer-related emotional issues, social issues, stress, and coping with life difficulties. Download phone app or printed materials online.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Provides free, 45 to 60 minute online educational webinars on topics of mental health and emotional wellness for teens, parents, and caregivers. Also works with schools and school counselors to provide in-school programs. Access program information and training modules on the website.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Website offers links to evidence-based educational information in written format and in short video clips. A Q&A section, references, and feedback sections are included. Controversial topics, including pornography and sexting, gender-variant information, and encounters with the criminal justice system, are discussed candidly.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Depression
Substance Abuse
Online database links to therapists by name or zip code. Users can also search according to criteria of choice by selecting checkboxes. Options to choose from include therapist’s ethnicity, services offered, treatment styles, ages served, languages offered, methods of treatment, issues to be discussed, and insurances accepted.
Offers a search link to find behavioral health and substance abuse services, as well as medical care and food assistance by zip code in California. A state map with search icons also links to facilities, providing contact information and information on services offered.
Website from the Office of the Dean of Students at the University of San Francisco provides links to free or low-cost counseling providers, such as medical centers, community centers, and others. Specialty providers including marital counselors, LGBTQIA-focused counselors, and Christian counseling centers are on the list.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
BIPOC
LGBTQ
Men
Women
A database of mental health resources is included on this NAMI website. You can search by category of services provided or mental health diagnosis. Contact information including name, address, and phone number of each facility is provided, as well as email address and website. Searches by provider name are also available.
Suicide prevention services including a Suicide Response Team, free follow-up services for patients who survive suicide attempts, and a free phone crisis line, available by dialing 988 or by using the online link. Free or low-cost assessment and mental health services are available to low-income individuals.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students
Men
Women
Veterans
First Responders
Depression
Anxiety
Substance Abuse
Counseling services focused on women and trauma offering individual, group, family, marital, and substance abuse counseling. In-person and low-cost online video counseling sessions are available. An equine/horse therapy program is also available as an alternative to talk therapy.
Provide Services for
Depression
PTSD
Anxiety
Grief
Substance Abuse
Along with counseling services, links to emergency and non-emergency hotlines, and housing support, THMA connects adults and youth with mental illness and their families to counseling and support services that are available by phone or in-person. Call 805-540-6571 for details and intake.