Explore links and find information about how to make your medical coverage work for you and more.

There are many programs available for adults, children/adolescents, and older adults at the community and county level. Learn more about these public services and how to access them.

Advice for caregivers and information about what to do when relatives or friends face severe emotional crisis. Learn what to do when someone is refusing treatment, when a family member is involuntarily detained, and more.

Looking for the right mental health services for yourself or someone in need often begins by entering a confusing maze of choices. This Roadmap provides practical information that will help you find services whether you have private health insurance or you enter into the public health system, specifically, California's 59 county mental health system. This Roadmap also offers helpful tips for managing an emergency or crisis situation, understanding mental illness and mental wellness, and finding services and support for clients in need.

Words of Encouragement...
Mental illness can often be difficult for clients and for those who care about them. Trying to find what works to manage symptoms while dealing with life changes takes a lot of time and energy. It can be a full time job.

Many people who have been through the mental health system say it's important to remember you are not alone when you face mental health issues in your life. Clients and caregivers offer the following advice:

• It is important to take good care of yourself.
• Find a self-help group so you can talk with other people who have gone through this and who will share stories about experiences, about what works and what doesn't work.
• Read as much as you can and ask a lot of questions -- educate yourself about mental health, treatment and services.
• Find services, support and providers who use the language you're most comfortable with and who you feel are helpful.
• Be hopeful that you, your relative or friend can find their path to wellness and recovery.

Read the Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health

Roadmap Printable Version
This is an unformatted printable version of the Roadmap with links listed out by URL.

COUNTY CONTACT INFORMATION: 24-HOUR, MULTILINGUAL CRISIS INTERVENTION AND ASSESSMENT
Call for help if you need advice in an emergency or to find mental health services through the county mental health system.

COUNTY CONTACT INFORMATION: PATIENT'S RIGHTS ADVOCATES
Call if someone you care about has severe psychiatric symptoms and may not be getting the help they need. Patient advocates will help you understand your rights and the client's rights. Also call for help if someone you care about has been taken involuntarily to a hospital or jail or has been denied services.

COUNTY CONTACT INFORMATION: CALIFORNIA COUNTY ETHNIC SERVICES COORDINATORS AND MANAGERS
Contact for help if you want to find services and supports for someone who does not speak English.

The mental health roadmap was compiled by Margaret Walkover MPH, a mental health recovery and strategic planning consultant. Ms. Walkover has conducted statewide public policy initiatives, research and trainings for the California Mental Health Directors Association. She currently works with county mental health departments in the San Francisco Bay Area.

This roadmap was developed in consultation with leadership from client organizations and county mental health departments from throughout the state. Special thanks to Dede Ranahan and the Advisory Committee, Mental Health Education and Workforce Development Initiative, College of Extended Learning, San Francisco State University, for their feedback and support.

The Hope and the Street Web site and discussion forums are provided solely for educational and informational purposes. As such, they are not meant to provide professional medical advice, counseling or services. Only a qualified medical professional who is familiar with your particular circumstances can provide specific guidance regarding your health questions and we encourage you to ask your doctor or health care provider any questions you may have relating to the information contained on this Web site. KQED does not preview, endorse, review, censor or control the content of pages linked to this site and therefore cannot be held responsible for errors or consequences arising from use of this information.