Santa Cruz County mental health resources that accept Medi-Cal
Plain steps, in plain words
Getting covered should not take a specialist to understand. This is what to do, who to call, and what to have ready.
How to access behavioral health care, crisis support, and community programs in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health provides specialty mental health and substance use services for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. The Access Team offers screenings, referrals, and care coordination.
Start with the Access Team
- Call 800-952-2335 (toll free) or 831-454-4170 (local) Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- After hours, dial the same numbers and follow prompts for crisis support.
- Share your Medi-Cal plan (Central California Alliance for Health or Partnership HealthPlan) to explore in-network options.
Community clinics and contracted providers offer therapy, psychiatry, youth and family services, and recovery programs. Rural residents can request telehealth appointments or transportation support through their managed care plan.
Crisis and urgent options
- Call the Santa Cruz County Suicide Prevention Service at 877-663-5433 (24/7).
- Visit the Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Program at 1400 Emeline Ave for walk-in assessment.
- Dial 988 or 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
Alliance members can call Member Services at 800-700-3874 for care coordination, transportation, and interpreter services.
Where to go
- Santa Cruz Behavioral Health — Programs and contact numbers for behavioral health and recovery services.
- Central California Alliance for Health
More on Santa Cruz County
- How to get Medi-Cal coverage in Santa Cruz County
- Santa Cruz County mental health resources that accept Medi-Cal