Manage Your Mental Health

We all experience daily stressors that affect our mental and emotional health, and we all feel sad or anxious from time to time. It's important to check in with ourselves and our loved ones.

However, if you or a loved one are feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, it’s important to know the signs of a mental health challenge and seek professional help when needed.

Stigma can often prevent people from getting the help they need because they’re afraid of being treated differently. Here are some ways to address mental health with your loved ones:

• Educate Yourself: Understand that mental health conditions are common and treatable.
• Normalize Conversations: Talk openly about mental health with friends and family and have regular check-ins.
• Challenge Myths: Correct misconceptions about mental illness with facts.
• Show Compassion: Be empathetic and supportive when others share their experiences.

Seek Help

There are different ways to get the mental health support you need. This includes individual or group therapy, medication, and virtual or in-person classes that can help you to improve habits that may affect your daily life and relationships. To find out what support is available to you:

• Speak with your primary care provider from your health plan or a Federally Qualified Health Center to get a behavioral health screening and find out what options are available.
• If you don’t have medical insurance, see if you qualify for Medi-Cal by calling 1-866-262-9881 or visiting any Family Resource Center. You may also be eligible for other services like CalFresh, housing assistance, and more.

If you or a loved one needs support now:

• Call or text 9-8-8 to connect with trained counselors who can help, including local professionals at San Diego County’s Access & Crisis Line. Support is available 24/7 if you or someone you know is struggling emotionally.

For other ways to get help during a mental health crisis, visit our Crisis Services webpage.

Find a Support Group

Talking to others who are having a similar experience can be helpful. They provide support and understanding without judgement.

You can search for local support groups for mental health through NAMI San Diego, including virtual and in-person meetings and groups for families and peers. More support group options are also available on the SAMHSA website.

Find Treatment

The services below are available for people who are enrolled in or eligible for Medi-Cal. Call 1-866-262-9881 to see if you qualify.

If you aren’t sure whether BHS is the right specialty provider for you or a loved one, you can:

• Talk with your primary care provider for a mental health screening and find out what options are available, or
• Call 9-8-8 or dial 1-888-724-7240.

County mental health programs can help people who may also have a substance use disorder. Learn more at our Substance Use Services webpage.

Suicide Prevention

The County of San Diego offers a variety of services and programs to prevent and address suicide. 

Other Resources to Support Your Mental Wellness

Get Involved

Visit Connect with BHS to see how you can get involved in your community.