If you need supportive housing or related services, you can bring by calling the San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Call Center.  The phone number is (800) 686-0101. (TTY for hearing impaired individuals is 711).

When you call, you will speak with a trained staff member at BHRS who will ask about your special circumstances. For example, they will ask about your mental health, substance use history, and housing need to assess your need and eligibility. Based on the screening, you may be referred to programs or housing providers in the county who manage supportive housing programs or other services that can help you get stabilized and on housing waitlists. BHRS accepts all eligible residents, so calling does not require private insurance.

Be ready to provide basic information about yourself. This may include your full name, date of birth, and contact information. Other information that may be asked include household information (number of people, ages, disabilities), income details if available, and any current mental health or medical conditions that you may have.

Some follow-up questions that may be helpful to ask when you call the Access Line include:

• “Do I need to bring any documents to apply, such as an ID, income information, or proof of disability?”

• “Are there any programs specifically for people with mental health conditions/people with disabilities/seniors/veterans?”

• “How long is the waitlist, and how will I be contacted when a unit is available?”

• “Are there any other services that BHRS can offer that may help me? Such as medication management, case management, mental health assistance, or substance use treatment?”

It is recommended that you have a pen and paper available to take notes and information down for future reference. If English is not your first language, you may request an interpreter.