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Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County mental health resources that accept Medi-Cal

How to access behavioral health care, crisis support, and community programs in Santa Cruz County.

Check for the latest information

This guide shares public information about Medi-Cal and behavioral health resources in Santa Cruz 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.

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.

Official resources