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Merced County

Merced County mental health resources that accept Medi-Cal

County-operated and partner programs that provide mental health and substance use care to Medi-Cal members.

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This guide shares public information about Medi-Cal and behavioral health resources in Merced County. Policies, phone numbers, and eligibility rules change frequently, so always confirm details with the official agencies linked on this page.

  • For a mental health or medical emergency, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For non-emergency help, use the county access lines listed below.
  • Last reviewed on October 3, 2025. Let the Talkdoc team know about corrections by reaching out through your care coordinator.

Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) coordinates specialty mental health care for residents with Medi-Cal. Contact the 24/7 Access Line to begin services.

Access BHRS

  • Call 209-381-6800 (press 1) anytime for screenings, referrals, or crisis triage.
  • Let staff know your Medi-Cal managed care plan (Central California Alliance for Health) for coordination.

BHRS offers outpatient therapy, psychiatry, wellness centers, and substance use treatment through county clinics and contracted providers. Telehealth appointments may be available for rural communities.

Crisis options

  • Use the Crisis Stabilization Unit at 301 E. 13th Street, Merced for walk-in services.
  • Call 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for emergencies.
  • For youth services, contact the Children's System of Care at 209-381-6800 (press 3).
Transportation to appointments and interpretation are benefits offered by the Alliance. Call Member Services at 800-700-3874 for help.

Official resources