Mental Health Emergency

Call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room if you can safely get there

Psychiatric Emergency Services are available at:

Crisis Stabilization Unit
2250 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-600-2800

Exceptions:
  • If you are 65 or older, you can not walk in.  You must go through a hospital emergency room.
  • If you are under 18, you can not walk in.  You must go through a hospital emergency room. 
Please Note: The Crisis Stabilization Unit does not write or refill prescriptions or provide therapy.  They provide assessments to see how best to help.  This could mean a transfer to the Psychiatric Health Facility (located in the same facility) or a referral to an outside provider.
County Mental Health Access Team
(831) 454-4170 or (800) 952-2335 (24-hours a day)
Walk-in Crisis Services Available:
Monday - Friday
8 am – 5 pm.
1400 Emeline Avenue, Bldg. K.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 
Psychiatric Health Facility
2250 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-600-2801

Guidelines for calling 911

mh911brochure03072018.pdf
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LEARN MORE ABOUT: 

Mental Health Liaison

What to do when your loved one has been arrested.
County Adult Mental Health Services
County Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services
County Alcohol and Drug Services
Coastal Turning Point Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospital Program
ASPIRE (Los Gatos)

Related Content

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

Call or chat online.
1(800) SUICIDE
1(800) 784-2433

CRISIS TEXT LINE

Provides free confidential 24/7 emotional support and information to people in any type of crisis.Text “START” to 741741.

Text “START” to 741741

Hospitals with Behavior
​Health Units

El Camino Hospital (Mountain View)
CHOMP (Monterey)
San Jose Behavior Health
Good Samaritan Hospital (Los Gatos)​
John Muir (Concord) - has Pediatric Unit
Fremont Hospital - has Pediatric Unit
Mills Penisula (San Mateo)-has Pediatric Unit

Second Story

​Second Story - 831-466-0967
Second Story is a Peer Run Respite house and an alternative to hospitalization.  Ideally one should interview before a crisis.  People can stay for a short time as long as they have a home to return to, are receiving Specialty Mental Health Services through Santa Cruz County and are over 18 years old.

Family Form

familyform_english.pdf
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LPS Holds Chart

lps_holds_chart.pdf
File Size: 163 kb
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Release of Information Form

authorization_to_release_confidential_information_rev_7-2017.pdf
File Size: 134 kb
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in Spanish:

mhe_306s_authorization_to_release_confidential_information_7-2017.doc.pdf
File Size: 76 kb
File Type: pdf
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Jail Mental Health Referral Form

Jail Crisis Intervention Team Referral Form Online Form
cit_family-friend_referral.pdf
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cit_family-friend_referral.doc
File Size: 47 kb
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What to do when your family member has been arrested.

what_to_do_when_your_family_member_has_been_arrested_080217.pdf
File Size: 116 kb
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Grievance Form

grievance_resolution_form.pdf
File Size: 340 kb
File Type: pdf
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The Quality Improvement department really appreciates receiving feedback.  Please let them know how they are doing.  Write a letter, fill out their form, email or call.
  • Drop off a form or letter at the reception counter in the North or South County Mental Health Clinics or other site where you receive services.
  • Mail to the Grievance Coordinator, Mental Health Plan, 1400 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz CA 95060. 
  • Call: 1-800-952-2335

Guidelines for Calling 9-1-1

Plan Ahead
  • Be prepared: Become familiar with the guidelines on this page.
  • Know to Ask for a Crisis Intervention Trained Officer (CIT): When you call 9-1-1, ask to have a CIT Officer dispatched if available as these officers are specially trained to respond to mental health emergencies.
  • Fill out the Information From Family Member form: Complete the Family Form (below) ahead of time. Send one copy to their mental health provider and keep extra copies on hand to give to hospital personnel if a mental health emergency occurs. The Information from Family Member form provides hospital personnel and mental health providers with important detailed information on your family member or friend’s mental health history. 
  • Be prepared for a 5150 Hold: If your family member or friend is a danger to themselves or to others or is gravely disabled and unable to care for themselves, it may be necessary to place them on an involuntary hospital hold of up to 72 hours for additional help and evaluation.
  • If you are able to safely drive your loved one before or during an emergency, go to the Crisis Stabilization Center (2250 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz; 831-600-2800) or call the Access Team (800) 952-2335.
  • Interview with Second Story - 831-466-0967;  Second Story is a Peer Run Respite house and an alternative to hospitalization.  Ideally one should interview before a crisis.  People can stay for a short time as long as they have a home to return to, are currently receiving Specialty Mental Health Services through Santa Cruz County and are over 18.
Before Calling 911
  • Know your rights: If the individual is putting you or themselves in danger, police need to step in and help. You have the right to ask for help and your loved one has a right to receive help.
  • Try to remain calm: Take a few deep breaths so you can speak as slowly and calmly as possible.
  • Remove harmful items: If possible, remove any items from the immediate area that could be used as a weapon, such as fire arms, knives, tools, or baseball bats.
During the Call
  • Try to make the call from a safe and quiet place where your family member or friend will not feel threatened by overhearing you.
  • Tell police you are calling about a mental health emergency and request a CIT officer.
  • Describe the situation in detail, such as whether your loved one is suicidal, aggressive, off their medication, or threatening someone.
  • Listen carefully and answer the dispatcher’s questions so they have the information to help.
  • Stay on the phone – emergency help is being dispatched. Do not hang up until you are asked to do so by the dispatcher.
What to say when calling 9-1-1
  • I’m calling about a Mental Health Emergency and request a CIT Officer.
  • My name is:______________________.
  • I’m calling from [your location].
  • I’m calling because my [family member/friend] is: ___________________.
  • Describe in detail what is going on right now.
  • Advise police if there is information on file with law enforcement about the person in crisis.
  • Ask if it’s possible to arrive without lights or sirens.
The 9-1-1 dispatcher will ask about the following: (be clear and brief)
  • Are there any acts or threats of violence?
  • Are there any weapons involved?
  • Where is the person experiencing the emergency located?
  • Has there been a suicide attempt or has the person made threats of suicide?
Once the dispatcher has this information, share the following about your loved one:
  • The person’s mental health condition/diagnosis and mental healthcare provider
  • Whether the person is intoxicated or overdosed
  • Any medications the person is taking
  • Whether the person is gravely disabled and unable to care for themselves
When the officer arrives
  • Tell them what you’ve seen and heard—stick to the facts.
  • Explain what is happening now.
  • Let them know what has and has not worked in the past.
  • If the person in crisis is being transported, find out where.
  • Ask the police officer for their contact information for follow up.