County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department

10/06/2025

The announcement you have all been waiting for...

The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) 2025-2026 Annual Update is here! 💃🧡✨

This massive report covers all SLO Behavioral Health programs funded under the MHSA including updates on services delivered, data, and outcomes of our programs.

Members of the public have 30 days to take a look at the draft, ask questions, and make comments.
After 30 days, we will hold a final public hearing to the Behavioral Health Board on October 15th at 3pm.
The final plan is then presented to our County Board of Supervisors.

Visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/MHSA to view the recent update and to learn more about the programs that are funded under the MHSA.

If you are passionate about Mental Health in SLO County, we invite you to be a voice for the upcoming statewide Behavioral Health Transformation (BHT) initiative. Visit the link in our bio to join in this Community Planning Process!

About the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA):
California voters passed the MHSA Proposition 63 in November 2004. The Act raises money to support mental health programs through a 1% tax on incomes above $1 million. MHSA funds may only be used to pay for MHSA programs. By law all Mental Health Services Act plans must be created in collaboration with consumers, family members, providers, and the community.

10/05/2025

📸Capturing Behavioral Health: September 2025

👉Photo 1: SLOBHD staff in Sacramento at the symposium on behavioral health and housing working to build our local BHSA housing plan and foster connections
👉Photos 2 and 3: Hat swag! Staff attend the Shandon Resource Fair, providing resources to local students and community members on mental health and substance use prevention.
👉Photos 4 and 5: Therapist Jené Hinton-Railsback, AMFT, APCC, takes part in a panel discussion following the County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries film showing of "Black People Don't Do That.”
👉Photo 6: PIO Laura Zarate visits Fresitas Dona Tere to talk to workers about overdose prevention and naloxone.
👉Photo 7: SLOBHD SLO County Friday Night Live team attends the SLO Safe Streets Forum, where Hannah Sharon spoke about the importance of preventing distracted and impaired driving.
👉Photo 8: Transitions - Mental Health Association Journey of Hope bring inspiration and community connection-thanks to all who stopped by to support!

10/03/2025

Play all day✨

No goofing off here- it’s play therapy!

This popular therapy, typically used with younger children, uses a child’s natural play instincts to help them express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that they may not be able to put into words.

Our comfortable playrooms are filled with toys, objects, and games for children to act out their feelings while our therapists observe their style of play, emotions, hidden worries, and concerns.

Through play therapy we have seen children grow to express their thoughts and feelings, in appropriate ways, learn about the feelings of others, and learn how to solve problems they encounter with controlled behavior.

If your child is needing behavioral health treatment, call us at 1-800-838-1381 or visit SLOBehavioralHealth.org for more information on Youth Mental Health Services.

10/01/2025

October is Substance Use Prevention Month. Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life and all ages. Prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the impact of substance use and addiction in our community.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, you’re not alone. Help is available by calling the SLO Behavioral Health Access line at 1-800-838-1381 or at one of the several community based organizations below:

🍂Aegis Treatment Center- 805-461-5212
🍂Al-Anon Central Coast-628-400-3033
🍂Alcoholics Anonymous Central Coast Intergroup-805-541-3211
🍂Aspire Counseling Services-805-329-5595
🍂Central Coast Area Narcotics Anonymous-800-549-7730
🍂Nar-Anon Central CA-800-477-6291
🍂Restorative Partners-805-242-1272
🍂SLO Bangers-805-458-0123
🍂Sobering Center SLO-820-280-0415
🍂Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA)-805-540-6500

09/30/2025

Just a reminder...
Healing isn’t the same for everyone. It’s a personal journey. Remmeber you are not alone, and tomorrow needs you. Reach out for support- we are always here.

***dePreventionMonth

09/29/2025

Trigger Warning: Means Safety- Striving to Keep a Loved one Safe from Su***de

What is Means Safety? Means safety for su***de prevention is about limiting a person's access to means, methods, or mechanisms by which they may attempt su***de.

Firearm Safety: Fi****ms are a leading method of su***de in the United States. Every step we can take to put barriers or “speed bumps” between someone’s thoughts of su***de and access to means to end their life reduces the risk of a su***de attempt.

Overdose & Poisoning: Implementing safety precautions in your home is a starting point for keeping your loved one safe.

Suffocation & Strangulation: Most often, people thinking about su***de have specific methods they plan to use and oftentimes they don’t deviate from their plan. Identifying an intended method can help you make a plan to reduce access to particular means

Warning Signs Of Su***de:
1.Talking about wanting to die or su***de
2. Reckless Behavior
3. Increased alcohol or drug use
4. Sudden mood changes
5. Feeling hopeless, desperate, trapped
6. Giving away possessions
7. Talking about being a burden to others

Su***de Prevention Resources:
👉Central Coast Hotline-call or text 1-800-783-0607
👉National Su***de Prevention Line-Call or text 988. Veterans press ‘1’ or text ‘HELP’ to 838255; Spanish language press ‘2’ or text ‘AYUDA’ to 988
👉Trevor Lifeline-Call 1-866-488-7386 or text ‘START’ to 678678
👉Friendship line- call 1-800-971-0016
👉Crisis Text Line- text ‘HOME’ to 741-741

📚Sources:
https://strivingforsafety.org
https://www.su***deispreventable.org

***dePrevention ***dePreventionInformation ***dePrevention

09/26/2025

SLO County Behavioral Health offices are closed Friday, September 26 in observance of Native American’s Day.
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Las oficinas de Salud y Bienestar del Condado de SLO estarán cerradas el Viernes 26 de Septiembre en observancia del Día de los Nativos Americanos.

09/25/2025

Whether you’ve had a hard day, you’re worried about a friend, or you yourself are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, there is support available. Call or text one of the youth friendly hotlines below:
📱Central Coast Hotline- call or text 1-800-783-0607
📱CA Youth Crisis Hotline- call or text 1-800-843-5200
📱National Su***de Prevention Hotline- call or text 988
📱National Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+ Youth)- call 1-866-488-7386 or text ‘START’ to 678-678
📱Teen Line- call 1-800-852-8336 (6 PM–10 PM PT) or text ‘TEEN’ to 839863 (6 PM–9 PM PT)
📱CenCal Health Members- call member services 1-877-814-1861

Download a free youth mental health app:
👉Brightlife Kids - Coaching and mental health support for parents, caregivers, or kids (up to age 12) in California. Video or chat. Free and confidential. Hellobrightline.com/brightlifekids
👉Soluna App-Support for kids 13- to 25-year-old in California, Chat 1 on 1 with coaches. Free-writing journals, de-stressing tools, and forums to get and give advice (or vent). Free and confidential. Solunaapp.com

🚨If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911.
***dePreventionMonth

09/24/2025

We can all play a part in reducing mental health stigma and ending su***de in SLO County. Here are a few ways to start the conversation:
👉“I care about your and I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately, and I’m wondering how you’re doing?”
👉“With everything that’s going on, I wonder if you are feeling overwhelmed?”
👉“I’ve been through things in my life too, and what I have often found is that talking about it helps.
👉 “Whatever you are going through, I am here to listen and support you.”

Visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/su***deprevention for more su***de prevention resources.

•If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911.
•If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the Central Coast Hotline at 1-800-783-0607 or the National Su***de Hotline at 988.
•To access SLO Behavioral Health services, call 1-800-838-1381.

***deprevention ***depreventionawarenessmonth ***deispreventable ***de

09/24/2025

Come get free flu vaccines for the whole family (ages 3+), no insurance or documents required. See locations below, and visit slocounty.gov/freefluvaccines for more information.

Come get free flu vaccines for the whole family (ages 3+), no insurance or documents required:

Glen Speck Elementary | Wednesday, October 1 from 3:30–7:00 p.m.
401 17th Street, Paso Robles (on school campus in room near the parking lot)

Sunrise Villas Apartments | Tuesday, October 7 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Sunrise Villas Apartments (Community Center)
1600 Fontana Rd, Paso Robles

Lillian Larsen Elementary | Wednesday, October 8 from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.
1601 L Street, San Miguel (on school campus in the cafeteria)

Santa Rosa Academy | Thursday, October 9 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
8651-8661 Santa Rosa Rd, Atascadero (on school campus in the cafeteria)

Oceano Community Center | Friday, October 17 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
1425 19th Street, Oceano (in the gym)

Atascadero Middle School | Monday, October 27 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
6501 Lewis Ave, Atascadero (on school campus in the cafeteria)

SLO Veterans Hall | Thursday, October 30 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
801 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo

Vineyard Elementary School | Wednesday, November 5 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
2121 Vineyard Dr, Templeton (on school campus in the multi-purpose room)

For more information, visit slocounty.gov/freefluvaccines

09/22/2025

Happy last day of Summer SLO County🌊 Shout out to everyone (especially if your name is Conrad) who took big steps this Summer to better their mental health or take part in a recovery journey.

Summer may be over, but our services are year-round for whenever you need them. We offer mental health and substance use disorder treatment services at clinics in San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, Atascadero, and Paso Robles. Visit slobehavioralhealth.org or call 1-800-838-1381 for more information about our programs and to find the right treatment for your needs.

TheSummerITurnedPretty

09/21/2025

Happy Sunday SLO County✌️ Prioritizing mental health by practicing self-care be one of the most important su***de prevention tools. Better your mental health by tapping into one of these self-care ideas today:

☀Connect with nature
☀Practice meditation
☀Get creative- draw, play music, or journal
☀Get to bed on time for a full night’s rest
☀Make time for hobbies
☀Eat healthy and drink water often throughout the day
☀Reset your space to be relaxing and calm
☀Stay off social media, or set a time limit
☀Prioritize time with family and friends who have a positive influence on your life

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911.
If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the Central Coast Hotline at 1-800-783-0607 or the National Su***de Hotline at 988.
To access SLO Behavioral Health services, call 1-800-838-1381.

***dePreventionMonth