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Mental Health & Substance Use Care for You or a Loved One
County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services (BHS) provides mental health and substance use care to people of all ages who are Medi-Cal eligible. Substance use can include alcohol, drugs, or both. Some services are also available to all residents. If you need help and aren’t sure whether BHS is the right specialty provider for you or a loved one, you can:
- Talk with your primary care provider to get a behavioral health screening and find out what options are available.
- Text or call 9-8-8 for the 988 Lifeline, or
- Dial 1-888-724-7240 for the Access and Crisis Line.
Explore the programs below to learn more about what BHS offers.
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Outpatient and Support Services
Ongoing care for people of all ages who are living with an ongoing mental health or substance use condition. Services include outpatient treatment, behavioral health support services, and help with housing.
Visit the Outpatient and Support Services webpage to learn more about services within this category.
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Crisis Services
Immediate help for people of all ages who are having a mental health, drug, or alcohol-related crisis. An array of options are available from 24/7 phone support from a clinician, in-person crisis care that comes to you or a loved one, or walk-in care at any one of our crisis support locations throughout San Diego County.
Visit the Crisis Services webpage to learn more about services within this category.
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Hospital-Level Care
Highest level of care provided in a secure, hospital-like setting for people who need 24-hour intensive treatment often due to the severity of their mental health symptoms or risk of harm to themselves or others.
Visit the Hospital-Level Care webpage to learn more about services within this category.
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Residential and Long-Term Services
24-hour support for people with mental health and substance use conditions who need more help than a nursing home but less than a hospital. Services range from residential treatment and community-based care, to skilled nursing in a secured setting for people with higher needs.
Visit the Residential and Long-Term Services webpage to learn more about services within this category.
Children and Youth Programs
To find behavioral health and substance services for children, youth, as well as pregnant and parenting women, visit the Behavioral Health Services for Children, Youth, and Families webpage.
Other Programs
BHS also offers important services required by the law. These programs are part of our role as a specialty Mental Health Plan for people with Medi-Cal. Examples include:
Beneficiary Resources
If you are a current BHS client, explore the links below for additional information.
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Beneficiary/Behavioral Health Member Handbook
Beneficiary (Behavioral Health Member) Handbooks
- Available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian (Dari and Farsi), Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese
- Available in large print
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Behavioral Health Provider Directory
Note to Providers: If you identify any inaccurate information in the Provider Directory, please contact sdhelpdesk@optum.com or 1-800-834-3792 right away. The information you provide will be reviewed, and any necessary updates will be made within 30 days of receiving your notification. The Provider Directory is updated quarterly at a minimum. -
Request Your Medical Records
Visit the Behavioral Health Medical Records webpage for information on how to request your medical records.
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Your Rights
Visit the Your Rights webpage for information on your rights as a member of the BHS specialty mental health plan.
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Medi-Cal Member Rx Portal
Medi-Cal members can visit the DHCS Medi-Cal Member Rx Portal to look up prescription drugs, access forms and pharmacy benefits, and find resources.
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Patient Access API and Member Data Access
Medi-Cal members can visit the Patient Access API and Member Data Access page to learn more about how to access their health records using secure third-party apps of their choice.
Not sure where to start?
Call or text 9-8-8 or dial 1-888-724-7240 to speak to someone who can help find the right service for you or someone you care about. Both numbers are operated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with support available in over 200 languages. For more information visit Get Help Now or All Services. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1.


