Behavioral Health Services-Screening and Coordination (BHS-SAC)​

Submit an online Mental Health Service Request or call the Behavioral Health Services-Screening And Coordination (BHS-SAC) Team to request an over-the-phone brief screening and linkage to an appropriate mental health service provider. This includes Mental Health Medi-Cal Service Providers and Prevention & Early Intervention and Mental Health Respite Service Providers.

24/7 for Mental Health Crisis Calls
(916) 875-1055 or toll free (888) 881-4881 

Community Support Te​am brochure

Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic (MHUCC)

Provides services on a walk-in basis to individuals of all ages who are experiencing a mental health and/or co-occurring substance abuse crisis. 

2130 Stockton Boulevard, Building 300, Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 520-2460

Monday – Friday
8:00am – Midnight 
(Last walk-in at 10:00pm)

Saturday/Sunday & Holidays
8:00am-8:00pm
(Last walk-in at 6:00pm)

If you or a loved one have an immediate mental health and/or co-occurring substance abuse need and are contemplating using an emergency room, the Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic is a resource with a team of peers, clinicians, and medical staff who can assist in a calm and supportive environment. 

Supporting Comm​unity Connections (SCC) Programs

Supporting Community Connections (SCC) programs provide community defined, culturally responsive, and linguistically appropriate suicide prevention support and programs. Due to the high rate of isolation, suicide, and untreated mental health conditions, Sacramento County BHS selected the following populations/communities for Supporting Community Connections.

• ​Older Adults 
• ​Youth/Transition Age Youth (TAY) (focusing on foster youth / former foster youth, LGBTQ and unhoused youth populations)
• American Indian/Alaska Native/ Indigenous communities 
• African American communities 
• Spanish-speaking / Latino communities 
• Mien-speaking / Iu Mien communities 
• Cantonese-speaking communities
• Vietnamese-speaking communities
• Hmong-speaking communities
• Russian-speaking / Slavic communities 
• Consumer-Operated Warmline 
• Arabic-speaking communities
• Farsi-speaking communities
• Afghan communities

Any resident of Sacramento County (regardless of Medi-CAL eligibility) can access these services directly by contacting the SCC program. For a full list of programs and their contact information, please see the linked flyer​. 

​​​Community Wellness Response Team (CWRT)​

​Call or Text 988

CWRT responds to calls from 988 24/7/365 for individuals who may benefit from in-person crisis intervention, assessment of needs and risks, and safety planning. CWRT identifies and leverages individual strengths and natural supports; coordinates with existing Mental Health Plan (MHP) and Substance Use Prevention and Treatment (SUPT) providers as appropriate; provides voluntary transportation to urgent/emergent resources; and linkage to ongoing services.

CWRT Web​page​

Mental Illness: It’s Not Always What You Think:

Stop Stigma Sacramento​

Mental Health Plan Members’ Handbook

Mental Health Plan Members’ Handbook, a guide to Medi-Cal Mental Health Services.​ ​

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post How Can You Get Mental Health Services in Sacramento? first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Sacramento County Department of Health Services’ Behavioral Health Division is celebrating a major national win after its Safer Sacramento Team earned a 2025 Shorty Impact Award for “The Ripple Effect” documentary blog series. The Shorty Awards honor the most influential and purpose-driven digital campaigns in the world, recognizing work that creates real social impact through storytelling, creativity, and community engagement. Receiving this award places Sacramento County’s project among the top public-health campaigns nationwide.

The Ripple Effect, a nine-part documentary blog series, was created in response to the alarming rise in fentanyl overdoses and poisonings. Safer Sacramento wanted to cut through the noise using short form video format to shed a light on the fentanyl crisis, the heartbreak of loss, and the strength of community.

The County’s research shows that the raw, honest storytelling and deep connection in The Ripple Effect helped reduce fentanyl-related deaths in Sacramento County by 27%. That number isn’t just a statistic, it represents lives saved, families kept intact and futures realized.

Every installment carried a call to action, links to resources for treatment and recovery and people responded. The Ripple Effect has more than 19,000 clicks to the County’s support services page and more than 41,000 visits to educational content.

But the numbers only tell part of the story, more than 101,000 people engaged, not just with likes and shares, but with their hearts. They shared personal stories in the comments: those of grief, survival, and hope. Some were heartbreaking. Some were healing. And through it all, Safer Sacramento connected them with services: bereavement support, trauma care or someone to say “I understand and want to help.”

“This has been an exciting, passionate and heartfelt project. It was an honor to be part of this meaningful and impactful work and the success of this documentary. A huge thank you to all the community partners and the family members who have lost loved ones and bravely shared their stories in hopes of saving lives. Congratulations to Sacramento County!” said Lori Miller, Division Manager, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Division of Behavioral Health Services.

This is just one of the many efforts Sacramento County is working on to combat the fentanyl crisis. To watch The Ripple Effect Series or to learn more visit the Safer Sacramento page. To get involved in the Safer Sacramento Project or share your story contact, Lori Miller.

** One call connects you to mental health and substance use treatment support! Sacramento County’s BHS-SAC Call Center is available to connect you with the services you need – (916) 875-1055.

Check out Local Events , City Resources Map , Volunteering Opportunities , Addiction Help and Mental Health.

The post “The Ripple Effect” Project Wins Award first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

​“To battle this crisis we need to get the message out about both prevention and treatment. Sacramento County is dedicated to promoting widespread access to Naloxone, and our amazing providers stand ready to assist individuals on their road to recovery from the devastating impacts of opioid use disorders,” said Dr. Ryan Quist, Sacramento County Director of Behavioral Health. 

“It’s really going to take all of us coming together, embracing solutions and strengthening our response to make a difference and save lives,” said Lori Miller, Sacramento County Department of Health Services Division Manager. 

If you cannot attend the event, County leaders would like to share other ways you can help raise awareness of this crucial issue. 

• Educate and Advocate: Learn and spread the word about campaigns like Safer Sacramento and 1 Pill can Kill.
• Wear Purple on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day (Aug. 21). Take this time to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl, fake pills, and other illicit drugs, while also highlighting the difference between fentanyl poisoning and overdose. 
• Wear Purple on International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31). This globally observed day, aims to reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths, remember those lost, and acknowledge the grief endured by their loved ones.
• Attend a County Event (Aug. 21-30): The Department of Health Services, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Unit will host a resource table with informational handouts for the community in the lobby of 7001-A East Parkway in Sacramento from 8 – 5 p.m. Free Narcan will also be available at the event.
• Join the Opioid Coalition. Meetings are quarterly from 2-3:30 p.m. Visit the Sacramento County Opiod Coalition Website for the meeting schedule and more information.
• Share Your Loved One’s Story through an Opioid Awareness Project featuring Gone Too Soon Memorial Posters, commemorating the precious lives lost in Sacramento and surrounding counties. Those interested should contact Sacramento County Behavioral Health Division Manager, Lori Miller at Millerlori@saccounty.gov.
• Have Naloxone/Narcan available. For ways to obtain Narcan and/or training, call 916-875-2050 or visit SaferSacramento.com.

For more information and resources, call 916-874-9754 for a substance use assessment or visit Sacramento County’s Department of Health Services website.

The post National Fentanyl Awareness Day first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Own the Narrative, But Don’t Drown in It

The first step is accepting what happened without letting it define you. Addiction hijacks your life, and for a while, it probably ran the show. Now, it’s about shifting the narrative—you’re not just the person who lost a business to addiction. You’re the person fighting to rebuild. The guilt, the regret, the “if only” thoughts—acknowledge them, but don’t let them keep you stuck. You have to be honest with yourself about what went wrong, but the past isn’t a prison. It’s just a place you used to be.

Stabilize Before You Strategize

Before you start thinking about business 2.0, you need stability—both financial and emotional. This means cutting expenses to the bone, finding a steady (even if uninspiring) source of income, and building a routine that supports your recovery. Maybe you take a job you never thought you’d do, something far from the entrepreneurial world you once ruled. That’s okay. Right now, the goal isn’t glamour—it’s survival. A stable routine will give you the foundation to dream big again when the time is right.

Rebuild Financial Trust, One Step at a Time

When you lose a business, especially in the wake of addiction, your financial credibility takes a hit. Banks, investors, even close friends may be hesitant to help. The way back isn’t about flashy moves—it’s about small, consistent steps. Start with securing reliable income, setting up a strict budget, and making a plan to address outstanding debts. If bankruptcy was involved, learn what you can and can’t do moving forward. The goal isn’t to erase the past; it’s to show, over time, that you’re someone worth trusting again.

Lean on the Right People, Not Just Any People

During addiction, you may have surrounded yourself with the wrong influences. Now, rebuilding requires the opposite—people who hold you accountable, push you forward, and don’t let you sink into self-pity. That might mean mentors, recovery groups, financially savvy friends, or even a therapist who specializes in addiction recovery. The road back isn’t meant to be walked alone. You need people who see your potential, not just your past mistakes.

Turn Your Experience Into a Strength

You lost a business, yes. But you also survived addiction and learned lessons most people never will. That experience has value. Maybe it’s starting a business that helps others in recovery, consulting on financial resilience, or simply sharing your story in a way that prevents someone else from going down the same path. Your past doesn’t have to be an anchor—it can be the fuel that drives your next chapter.

Find a Hustle That Aligns with Your Recovery

Jumping back into high-stress entrepreneurship too soon can be a fast track to relapse. Instead of diving headfirst into another all-consuming venture, think about what kind of work supports your recovery. Maybe it’s flexible freelance work, consulting, or a smaller-scale business that allows for structure and balance. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone—you just need to create something sustainable. If the business world still calls to you, take your time and do it right.

Start Fresh

Starting fresh with a new business is possible, but this time, it has to be done with intention. The first critical step in this journey is creating a business plan—not just a vague idea, but a detailed roadmap that improves your chances of success. Your plan should define what your company does, how you’ll sell your services, and the structure that keeps it running smoothly. It should also outline your funding needs and provide realistic financial projections, so you’re not flying blind. Rebuilding after addiction means doing things differently, and a strong business plan keeps you accountable, focused, and on a path that leads forward—not back.

You lost a business, but you didn’t lose yourself. The path forward isn’t easy, but it’s there. One decision at a time, one step at a time—you can build something even stronger than before. And this time, it’s not just about making money. It’s about making a life you don’t need to escape from.

Discover a wealth of resources and support for mental health, addiction, and community services by visiting Sacramento Help and Resources today!

The post Rebuilding After Rock Bottom: How to Overcome Financial Ruin After Losing a Business to Addiction first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Increasing awareness of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and the services available to those seeking treatment—primarily through Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

Increasing awareness of Stimulant Use Disorder and the services available to those seeking treatment—primarily through behavioral interventions and practices.

Reducing the stigma surrounding OUD and Stimulant Use Disorder and treatment. OUD and Stimulant Use Disorder are no different than any other disease that requires medication to treat it.

Providing an easy pathway for the California population most impacted by OUD and Stimulant Use Disorder to ask for help.

To learn more about Choose Change California, please see our Campaign Materials or contact our team at OpioidResponse@dhcs.ca.gov.

Choose Change California

The post Choose Change California first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

Substance use disorder (SUD) affects countless individuals and families, often showing signs that can be easily overlooked. These warning signs include drastic changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, impulsivity or depression, as well as shifts in eating or sleeping habits, memory blackouts and neglect of home or work responsibilities. Arguments about alcohol or drug use, strong cravings and risky behaviors like driving under the influence are also key indicators.

For those struggling with substance use, Sacramento County offers comprehensive prevention and treatment services for youth and adults. ​The Behavioral Health Services – Screening and Coordination (BHS-SAC) team is available 24/7 for screenings and referrals to appropriate treatment providers. Individuals seeking help can call 916-875-1055, CA Relay 711, or toll-free at 888-881-4881 to take the first step toward recovery.​​

​By promoting awareness and access to treatment, Sacramento County hopes to encourage residents to reflect on their relationship with alcohol and drugs, take steps to improve their health and support loved ones who may be in need. Remember, recovery is possible, and resources are available every day of the year to assist those on their journey.​

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From participating in the  “1 pill can kill Placer” campaign, to pushing public service announcements, to aggressive prosecution, to working on statewide legislation, Placer County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to fighting the fentanyl issue in the county.

“Placer County has been tragically affected by the national fentanyl epidemic.  We are committed to combating this crisis with continued education and awareness efforts, extensive prevention campaigns, and aggressive prosecution of those who seek to peddle this deadly drug in our community.”  — Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire

Filing murder complaints against alleged fentanyl dealers

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office filed five criminal complaints against fentanyl dealers whose sales resulted in a death. 

1) 22-year-old Virgil Bordner was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the death of local teen Zachary Didier. He is currently serving a 17 year sentence in CDCR. Learn more Sacramento man receives 17 years in pris

2) 20-year-old Carson David Schewe is currently charged with murder and possession of a controlled substance for sale, as it related to a local fentanyl-related death. ***This is the first time a defendant in Placer County has been charged with murder by jury for a fentanyl-related death.*** Learn more Placer County District Attorneys Office 

3)  20-year-old Nathaniel Cabacungan is charged of murder for a death of a 15-year old girl. Learn more Placer DA files second murder charge aga – UPDATE – Cabacungan was convicted of murder on Oct. 10, 2023 – the first fentanyl murder conviction in the state. 

4) The Placer County District Attorney’s Office amended the criminal complaint against 24-year-old Arron Dare to add the charge of murder, as it relates to a local Auburn area fentanyl death. Learn more Placer DA files murder charge against Fa

5) The Placer County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against 42-year-old Brandon Garner, as it relates to a local fentanyl death. Learn more

6) In August 2024,  the Placer County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against  34-year-old James Teahan, as it relates to a local fentanyl death. Learn more

“Fentanyl is one of the most critical and frightening issues affecting our communities,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “The lethality of this synthetic drug, coupled with the blatant deceit by the dealers and the rapid spike in poisonings over the last few years, is both terrifying and heartbreaking. This epidemic is advanced, swift, and fatal – four in ten pills purchased in the online marketplace are deadly. We must continue to educate the community through the One Pill Can Kill campaign and we will continue to pursue these dealers aggressively and hold them accountable to the full extent of the law.”

PLACER COUNTY DA WARNING TO DEALERS

Selling fentanyl, if it results in a death, may result in a murder charge in our county. We have a simple message to dealers and distributers in our region – Placer County is NOT open for their business. 

The post Fentanyl is now the #1 killer of 18-45 year olds, surpassing car accidents and suicides in Placer County first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

​​September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate those who have overcome substance use disorder (SUD) and support those still on their journey to recovery. This month, we honor the strength and resilience of individuals in recovery and recognize the importance of mental health and SUD treatment. Let’s use this month to raise awareness, reduce stigma and share stories of hope. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community where recovery is embraced. Find recovery services and support in Sacramento County at the Safer Sacramento website. 

Here are some events happening this month to show your support:

Sept. 4 – Recovery Happens Event at the State Capital

Location: West Steps of the State Capital 1315 10th St, Sacramento. Time:  9 am. – 3 p.m. Learn more at the Safer Sacramento website. 

Sept. 18 – Sac County Healthy Beginnings Training Event

Join us on Sept. 18 from 1 – 2 p.m. for a free online training, “Psychosocial Risk for Pregnant and Parenting Women with a History of Substance Misuse: Building a Foundation for Gender-Specific Treatment and Care,” presented by Ira J. Chasnoff, MD. Registration required. Learn more and register here.

Safer Sacramento Fentanyl Awareness Project: The “Ripple Effect” Blog

The fentanyl crisis is complex because it’s affecting everyone: the person who has struggled for years with a substance use disorder to the teen experimenting with pills for the first time, to the individual seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or physical pain with a legitimate pharmaceutical medication that was a fake pill laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. Fentanyl does not discriminate and some communities are hit harder than others. Read the latest installment of Safer Sacramento’s documentary blog series, “The Ripple Effect.” You can learn about the impact of fentanyl on vulnerable communities at the Safer Sacramento website. 

Sept. 30 – International Recovery Day

This day is a reminder that recovery is possible, to honor and support those in recovery. Together, we can break the stigma, spread awareness and build a safer Sacramento where recovery is embraced and supported by all. ​

The post September is National Recovery Month first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

​

“To battle this crisis we need to get the message out about both prevention and treatment. Sacramento County is dedicated to promoting widespread access to Naloxone, and our amazing providers stand ready to assist individuals on their road to recovery from the devastating impacts of opioid use disorders,” said Dr. Ryan Quist, Sacramento County Director of Behavioral Health. 

“It’s really going to take all of us coming together, embracing solutions and strengthening our response to make a difference and save lives,” said Lori Miller, Sacramento County Department of Health Services Division Manager. 

If you cannot attend the event, County leaders would like to share other ways you can help raise awareness of this crucial issue. 

• Educate and Advocate: Learn and spread the word about campaigns like Safer Sacramento and 1 Pill can Kill.
• Wear Purple on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day (Aug. 21). Take this time to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl, fake pills, and other illicit drugs, while also highlighting the difference between fentanyl poisoning and overdose. 
• Wear Purple on International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31). This globally observed day, aims to reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths, remember those lost, and acknowledge the grief endured by their loved ones.
• Attend a County Event (Aug. 21-30): The Department of Health Services, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Unit will host a resource table with informational handouts for the community in the lobby of 7001-A East Parkway in Sacramento from 8 – 5 p.m. Free Narcan will also be available at the event.
• Join the Opioid Coalition. Meetings are quarterly from 2-3:30 p.m. Visit the Sacramento County Opiod Coalition Website for the meeting schedule and more information.
• Share Your Loved One’s Story through an Opioid Awareness Project featuring Gone Too Soon Memorial Posters, commemorating the precious lives lost in Sacramento and surrounding counties. Those interested should contact Sacramento County Behavioral Health Division Manager, Lori Miller at Millerlori@saccounty.gov.
• Have Naloxone/Narcan available. For ways to obtain Narcan and/or training, call 916-875-2050 or visit SaferSacramento.com.

For more information and resources, call 916-874-9754 for a substance use assessment or visit Sacramento County’s Department of Health Services website.

The post Educating on Fentanyl and Opioid Overdose first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

About the NDP

DHCS created the Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) to combat opioid overdose-related deaths throughout California. The NDP aims to address the opioid crisis by reducing opioid overdose deaths through the provision of free naloxone. For more information on the NDP, please visit the Naloxone Distribution Project website.​

The NDP Announces Distribution of Generic Naloxone

​DHCS is pleased to announce that the NDP is now distributing generic 4mg naloxone nasal spray in partnership with the CalRX Naloxone Access Initiative. Through this investment, announced as part of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, the NDP will be able to distribute even more naloxone to communities in need and support California’s fight against the opioid epidemic.

​Effective May 6, 2024, entities participating in the NDP will receive either generic naloxone nasal spray or Narcan naloxone nasal spray. Generic naloxone nasal spray will be labeled either as “CalRx” or “Amneal” and is manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals. Narcan naloxone nasal spray will be labeled as “Narcan” and is manufactured by Emergent BioSolutions. After an application is approved, the entity will receive an approval letter from naloxone@dhcs.ca.gov. The approval letter will indicate whether the entity will receive generic naloxone nasal spray or Narcan naloxone nasal spray. For more information, please see the “NDP Information and FAQs document” linked under “NDP Resources” at the bottom of this page. ​​​

Free Fentanyl Test Strips Available

DHCS is pleased to announce the distribution of free, all-in-one fentanyl test strip kits​ to help prevent drug overdoses across the state. While funding is available, organizations currently eligible to receive naloxone through the NDP can apply to receive free fentanyl test strip kits through the online application form. The all-in-one kits streamline the process of testing a drug for the presence of fentanyl, an extremely powerful opioid that can be added to other drugs and lead to a life-thre​atening or fatal overdose event, by packaging together a measuring scoop, the fentanyl test strip, a water pouch, and test instructions. 

​The all-in-one fentanyl test strip kits also reduce errors in testing drugs for fentanyl by including clear markings on the water pouch to prevent under and over dilution, and a result guide for test comparison. By providing these free all-in-one kits, DHCS aims to help California communities who are at risk of fentanyl exposure to increase their safety and prevent overdoses.​

How to Apply Via the Online NDP Portal

Applications for naloxone and fentanyl test strips must be submitted via the NDP online application form. Please review the below required materials for requesting naloxone nasal spray, intramuscular naloxone, and fentanyl test strips. Review the NDP and Fentanyl Test Strip FAQs (listed below) for additional information about your organization’s application.

To apply for naloxone and/or fentanyl test strips:

1. ​Gather the required supplemental materials.
2. Complete the NDP online application form.
3. Submit the application and supplemental materials via the NDP online application form.​​

The post Naloxone Distribution Project first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.