Mental Health Services - San Mateo County Health
Behavioral Health • San Mateo, CA • Since 1923
About
Mental Health Services at San Mateo County Health (San Mateo Medical Center) - Overview: San Mateo Medical Center is the integrated hospital-and-clinic system of San Mateo County Health, offering public health and clinical services to the San Mateo County community. - Focus: Provides mental health services as part of its public health and clinical care offerings. The system aims to support patients facing social, environmental, or economic challenges to improve overall health. - Organization: Government agency under San Mateo County Health; operates a network of facilities in San Mateo, CA, with a mission to help every patient live their healthiest life. - Key facts: Founded 1923; headquarters in San Mateo; part of a broader county health department that administers public health programs and supportive services. - Access: Primary hub located at 222 West 39th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403; contact options include local and main numbers for appointments and information. If you’re seeking mental health services specifically, you’ll likely engage through San Mateo County Health’s public health and clinical programs linked to San Mateo Medical Center. For precise programs, eligibility, and scheduling, contact their main line or visit smchealth.org.
Clinic Type
Behavioral Health
Address
San Mateo County Health—Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS)
Phone
Toll Free: (800) 686-0101
HS_BHRS_Communications@smcgov.org
Opening Hours
Not published — contact the clinic to confirm hours.
Emergency Care
Emergency access via BHRS Access Call Center 24/7; TTY 711
Services Offered
Insurance & Payment
Languages Spoken
FAQs
How can I get help for a mental health or substance use issue?
Call the BHRS ACCESS Call Center for information, an assessment and a referral.
STEP 1: To get help for yourself or a loved one, start by calling Behavioral Health and Recovery Services’ Access Call Center.
This is the initial step to access services.
Who can BHRS serve?
BHRS serves San Mateo County residents who have or are eligible for Medi-Cal, or those who are uninsured.
How do I get information, an assessment and a referral?
Call the BHRS ACCESS Call Center for information, an assessment and a referral based on individual needs.
What does the directory include?
The directory includes San Mateo County Programs, Contracted Behavioral Health Agencies, and Private Providers contracted with BHRS.
How often is the document updated?
The document will be updated annually. The last update was February 2026.
Whom to contact to request an edit?
HS_BHRS_Communications@smcgov.org.
Social Media
Photos
What Patients Say
Overall sentiment across review platforms: positive
- San Mateo County Health BHRS Internal Surveys: Average rating of 8.9/10 in FSP program; 4.4/5 in SUD treatment surveys
Patients praise
- High overall reported satisfaction rates (e.g., 91% satisfaction in surveys)
- Supportive and comfortable experiences with case managers and treatment team members
- Effective connection to outside resources and assistance with daily life necessities (medication, housing, jobs)
- Availability of staff for support
Common complaints
- Difficulty filing formal complaints or being discouraged from doing so
- Perception of staff as busy, overworked, and high staff turnover affecting continuity of care
- Negative experiences with translators impacting service delivery
- Inconsistency in appointments
"It’s been very good for me, Telecare has been good to me. I've been with them for 13 years. They have helped me with medication, provided housing, and also helped me get a job."
— Multi-County FSP Innovation Project, 2021"I did want to file a formal complaint, but my case manager told me that I wasn’t able to do that. ... I think that was the lowest experience with [my provider]."
— Multi-County FSP Innovation Project, 2021Synthesized from public review platforms as of Jul 10, 2026 — sources: [1][2][3][4].
In the News
- New San Mateo County Program Provides Foster Care for Pets While Owners Receive Treatment | County of San Mateo, CA — Mar 13, 2026
- San Mateo County Funds $7.5M for 2-Year Contract with Telecare Corporation for 24/7/365 Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Services to Help County Residents Experiencing Behavioral Health Crisis - COASTSIDE BUZZ — Jul 11, 2025
- How Bay Area police changed their approach to mental health calls - CalMatters — Dec 23, 2025
- For $3.8M San Mateo County Supervisors Contract with Telecare for State Mandated Crisis Hotline and Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) Dispatch Services ~ But Will it Reach the Coastside? - COASTSIDE BUZZ — Nov 13, 2025
- Celebrating 100 Messengers of Hope at the BHRS Health Ambassador Graduation | Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog — Dec 22, 2025
Information sourced from the clinic's website as of July 10, 2026.
More behavioral health clinics in San Mateo
Comparing your options?
See other behavioral health clinics in San Mateo, or search the full directory by insurance, ratings, and more.