San Francisco

1. Crisis Hotlines and Immediate Support

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, there are several crisis hotlines available in San Francisco:

San Francisco Suicide Prevention (SFSP)

• Services Offered: 24/7 crisis hotline, emotional support, and suicide prevention services.
• Contact: 1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or 415-781-0500 (local hotline).
• Languages: English, Spanish, and other languages via interpreters.
• Cost: Free.
• Procedure: Call the hotline for immediate support. Trained counselors provide confidential assistance and can connect you to local resources if needed.

Crisis Text Line

• Services Offered: Text-based emotional support for those in crisis.
• Contact: Text HOME to 741741.
• Cost: Free.
• Procedure: Text the number, and a trained counselor will respond to provide support and guidance.

Mobile Crisis Team (MCT)

• Services Offered: On-site crisis intervention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Contact: 415-970-4000 (available 24/7).
• Cost: Free for San Francisco residents and visitors.
• Procedure: Call the number to request assistance. The team can visit the individual in crisis and provide immediate support or transport to a care facility if necessary.

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2. Counseling and Therapy Services

San Francisco offers a variety of counseling and therapy options, including individual, family, and group therapy. These services are available through public programs, private clinics, and non-profit organizations.

San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) Behavioral Health Services

• Services Offered: Comprehensive mental health services, including therapy, psychiatric care, and substance use treatment.
• Eligibility: Open to residents and visitors, including undocumented immigrants.
• Cost: Sliding scale based on income; free for low-income individuals.
• Procedure:
  1. Call the SFDPH Access Line at 1-888-246-3333 to schedule an assessment.
  2. Based on the assessment, you will be referred to appropriate services.
• Languages: Services available in multiple languages.

Community-Based Counseling Centers

• Examples:
  • Richmond Area Multi-Services (RAMS): Specializes in serving immigrant and refugee populations, particularly Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
    • Contact: 415-668-5955.
    • Cost: Sliding scale; insurance accepted.
    • Languages: Multilingual services available.
  • The Women's Building: Offers low-cost counseling services for women and families.
    • Contact: 415-431-1180.
    • Cost: Sliding scale.
    • Languages: English, Spanish, and others.

Private Therapists

• Services Offered: Individualized therapy for a range of mental health concerns.
• Cost: Typically $100–$250 per session. Many therapists accept insurance or offer sliding-scale fees.
• Procedure: Use platforms like Psychology Today or TherapyDen to find licensed therapists in San Francisco. Contact them directly to inquire about availability and costs.

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3. Support Groups

Support groups provide a safe space to share experiences and receive peer support. Many are free or low-cost.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Francisco

• Services Offered: Free support groups for individuals living with mental illness and their families.
• Contact: 415-905-6264 or visit their website for schedules.
• Cost: Free.
• Procedure: Register online or call to join a group.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

• Services Offered: Peer-led support groups for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
• Contact: Visit the AA or NA websites for meeting locations and times.
• Cost: Free (donations accepted).
• Procedure: Attend a meeting—no registration required.

LGBTQ+ Support Groups

• Examples:
  • San Francisco LGBT Center: Offers mental health support and peer groups for LGBTQ+ individuals.
    • Contact: 415-865-5555.
    • Cost: Free or low-cost.
    • Procedure: Call or visit their website to learn about available groups.

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4. Long-Term Mental Health Care

For individuals requiring ongoing care, San Francisco has several options:

San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) Psychiatry Department

• Services Offered: Comprehensive psychiatric care, including medication management and therapy.
• Eligibility: Open to all, including uninsured and undocumented individuals.
• Cost: Sliding scale based on income; Medi-Cal and other insurance accepted.
• Procedure: Call 415-206-8125 to schedule an appointment.

Non-Profit Clinics

• Examples:
  • Mission Neighborhood Health Center: Provides mental health services to low-income and immigrant populations.
    • Contact: 415-552-3870.
    • Cost: Sliding scale.
    • Languages: Spanish and English.
  • HealthRIGHT 360: Offers integrated mental health and substance use treatment.
    • Contact: 415-762-3700.
    • Cost: Sliding scale; insurance accepted.

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5. Resources for Immigrants and Visitors

San Francisco is a sanctuary city, meaning that services are accessible regardless of immigration status. Here are some specific considerations:

• Language Access: Many organizations provide multilingual services or access to interpreters. Be sure to ask about language support when contacting a provider.
• Undocumented Immigrants: You are eligible for most public mental health services in San Francisco, and your immigration status will not be reported.
• Health Insurance: If you are uninsured, you may qualify for Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) or sliding-scale fees at community clinics. Visitors may need to pay out-of-pocket for private services.

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6. Costs and Payment Options

• Free Services: Crisis hotlines, support groups, and many public health programs.
• Sliding Scale: Community clinics and non-profits often adjust fees based on income.
• Insurance: Most private therapists and clinics accept insurance, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, and private plans.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Private therapy typically costs $100–$250 per session.

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7. Tips for Accessing Services

• Start with a Crisis Hotline: If you’re unsure where to begin, crisis hotlines can provide immediate support and referrals.
• Use the SFDPH Access Line: This is a centralized resource for connecting to public mental health services.
• Plan for Wait Times: Non-urgent services may have waitlists, especially for low-cost options.
• Ask About Telehealth: Many providers offer virtual appointments, which can be more convenient.

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San Francisco is committed to providing accessible mental and emotional health resources for all. Whether you are a resident, visitor, or immigrant, there are numerous options to support your well-being. If you need further assistance navigating these services, feel free to ask!