Sacramento County’s call center combines behavioral health and substance abuse services
Sacramento County has expanded two behavioral health service programs for residents streamlining access to behavioral health services and substance use prevention treatment care.
The Behavioral Health Services-Screening and Coordination Call Center centralizes the county’s multiple health and substance use treatment services by combining them into one help line: 916-875-1055. According to a press release, this will allow individuals to receive services in a timely, coordinated manner with health care providers.
“The BHS-SAC Call Center is a game-changer for our community,” Dr. Ryan Quist, the director of the county’s Behavioral Health Service, said in the release. “By centralizing these essential services, we’re breaking down barriers to care and simplifying how our community can receive mental health and substance use resources.”
The new year also brings an expanded definition of “gravely disabled” for individuals on involuntary psychiatric hold. Sacramento County’s definition will now include individuals with severe substance use disorder or a “co-occuring mental health disorder and severe substance use disorder,” the county stated. This is in line with Senate Bill 43, which will expand access to acute and long-term care for individuals from vulnerable communities.
The definition of “basic needs” will include a resident’s ability to achieve necessary medical care, food, shelter, weather-appropriate clothing, and personal safety, according to the county.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative in California to address homelessness, mental health crises and substance abuse treatment,” the county stated in a news release. “The efforts implemented reflect the County’s dedication to providing comprehensive care and fostering collaboration between health services and community partners.”
Sacramento County’s Behavioral Health Services employs 661 full-time positions and has a care network of 161 provider agencies through 238 programs with a $724.8 million budget during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Last July, the county entered a $26 million contract with Behavioral Health Bridge Housing to provide services and resources to homeless individuals with behavioral health conditions. They’re expected to hire staff and develop infrastructure this year.
In December, Sacramento County also announced its Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment Act Program, known as CARE Court, which allows family members and health care providers to request that those struggling with schizophrenia and other mental health disorders get services like medical care, housing and other services.
This initiative focuses on providing services to those facing homelessness and mental health issues in the region and first launched in October 2023.
Sacramento County also has a 24 hour mental health crisis line, which can be reached at 888-881-4881 or 916-875-1055.
