Photo credit: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Facebook page
Los Angeles County officials announced Sunday that they have combined their mental health and substance use services helplines into a single 24/7 call center.
The measure is intended to streamline access to health care for residents seeking treatment for mental health issues and substance use disorders.
The new centralized helpline, available at (800) 854-7771, combines the previously separate Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s 24/7 helpline and the Public Health Department’s Substance Abuse Services Helpline (SASH).
Callers can now choose from more than 12 languages and select specific service options.
Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Los Angeles County Mental Health Commissioner, emphasized the importance of this integration, saying, “By streamlining intake, referrals and linkages, the County will improve health outcomes and experiences for those who need services and supports.”
This consolidation reflects a recognition that mental health issues and substance use disorders often co-occur: According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than one-third of adults with a mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in the past year.
Los Angeles County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer highlighted the benefits of the new system.
“Consolidating our 24/7 call centre into one helpline will make services more accessible to residents, especially those with co-occurring disorders who need both mental health and substance use services,” she said.
The revamped helpline offers three main options: press 1 for crisis and mental health resources, 2 for substance use disorder services, and 3 for veteran and military family support. Callers to the previous SASH number, (844) 804-7500, will hear a message informing them of the new number and will then be automatically transferred.
The merger marks the first step in a long-term plan to improve consumer experience and streamline oversight for the California Department of Health Services. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the Department of Public Health’s Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control remain administratively separate but are committed to advancing integrated care.
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is the largest public mental health agency in the nation, serving over 10 million people with an annual budget of over $4 billion and a budgeted staff of over 7,000. Follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram and YouTube.
The Department of Public Health is nationally accredited by the Commission on Public Health Accreditation, with 5,000 employees and a budget of $1.3 billion, and is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County.
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