Mental health is a fundamental part of overall well-being.

This guide provides information on how to access professional or specialized services to support mental and emotional wellness. It includes resources for Spanish-speaking children, adolescents, and adults.

What does it mean to have good mental health?

Good mental health means recognizing what we feel and think without becoming overwhelmed.

It does not mean feeling good all the time, but rather having the tools to face problems without letting them control us.

 It means being present, maintaining healthy relationships, and making clear decisions.

When should I seek specialized mental health support?

Seeking mental health support is important, especially during times of change or when something affects you emotionally. It can also help strengthen your day-to-day well-being.

Below are some signs that it may be a good time to seek help — but the most important thing is to ask for help when you need it.

  • Emotional or intense feelings: Fear, sadness, anger, nervousness, or other significant mood changes.
  • Physical changes without an apparent medical cause: Persistent pain, discomfort, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, among others.
  • Worrying thoughts: Recurring worries, hopelessness, thoughts of self-harm or wanting to die. Feeling like things around you are not real.
  • Unusual or challenging behaviors: Aggressive or impulsive reactions, difficulty controlling emotions. Neglecting responsibilities at home or work. Increased use of alcohol or drugs. Neglect of hygiene and self-care.

What types of mental health support can I seek?

There are different types of mental health support services led by trained professionals. Depending on your situation, you may benefit from one or more of the following:

Crisis support, immediate and urgent

For people who need immediate help due to a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or an emergency. Example: Emergency line 911, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988, emergency rooms, urgent mental health care centers.

Mental health therapy and treatment

For people seeking ongoing support for anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health concerns. Example: Individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management.

Community support groups and counseling

For those seeking a supportive space in the community without needing formal treatment. Example: Support groups for grief, addictions, or emotional health.

Case management and accompaniment

For those who want help accessing resources such as healthcare, housing, or legal assistance. Example: Support in coordinating medical appointments, finding legal aid, or connecting with assistance programs.

For immigrant women in San Francisco: Join Entre Nosotras on WhatsApp

We invite you — or your mom, your abuela or any mujer in your life — to join Entre Nosotras, a private WhatsApp group created for local, Spanish-speaking immigrant women. This is a welcoming space where you can:

  • Stay up to date on resources, community events, and activities from Somos Esenciales and other community groups.
  • Share your struggles, questions, and information needs with other women like you.

Scan the QR code above, or click here to join Entre Nosotras.

How to find free or low cost services

You can start with someone you already know.
Your doctor, pediatrician, or someone at a health center can help connect you with mental health support.

FindHelp.org
Search for free or low-cost support at FindHelp.org: Enter your ZIP code, click on “Health” (Salud), then select “Mental Health Care” (Atención de salud mental).

Do I need health insurance to access mental health services?

In the United States, most mental health services require health insurance, especially for:

  • Individual therapy
  • Specialized care
  • Medication

Exceptions
 You do not need insurance for:

  • Crisis and emergency hotlines
  • Emergency room care

You may not need insurance, but there may be eligibility or low-cost requirements for:

  • Academic studies or nonprofit community organizations offering free or low-cost support
  • Community health centers and mental health clinics offering sliding scale fees
  • State or local programs that may cover therapy and other services without insurance

How to apply for insurance

Medi-Cal and Covered California are health insurance programs provided by the state of California.

Medi-Cal: Free or low-cost health insurance for low-income individuals in California, regardless of age or immigration status. For information:

Covered California

Health insurance for those who do not qualify for Medi-Cal. Offers income-based plans. For information:

Medicare

Health insurance for people over 65 years old or with certain disabilities, regardless of income. (Only for citizens and legal residents.)

For information:

  • Call 1-800-772-1213 and press 7 for Spanish

Emergency and urgent care services

If you are in crisis and need immediate care, go to the nearest emergency room or call:

  • Emergency line: 911
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
    (You can call or text 24/7, from anywhere in the United States, free of charge.)

Crisis services in San Francisco County:

Comprehensive Crisis (adults)

  • (415) 970-4000
  • Available 24/7 (phone only)

Comprehensive Child Crisis (youth up to 18 years old)

  • 3801 Third St, Building B, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94124
  • (415) 970-3800
  • In-person: M–F 8:30 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Sat–Sun 12:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
  • Phone support available 24/7

Westside Crisis (adults)

  • 245 11th St (@ Folsom/Howard)
  • (415) 355-0311 ext. 1216
  • Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Dore Urgent Care (adults)

  • 52 Dore St (@ Howard)
  • (415) 553-3100
  • Available 24/7, walk-in

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) (adults)

  • Emergency Room, SFGH, 1001 Potrero Ave (@ 23rd)
  • (628) 206-8125
  • Psychiatric emergencies, 24/7

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (all ages)

  • (800) 273-8255
  • Local line: (415) 781-0500
  • Available 24/7

Emotional Support Warm Line (all ages)

  • (855) 845-7415
  • Available 24/7
    (Emotional support by phone; not an emergency line.)

Mental health is a right. Everyone has the right to receive care and be treated with respect.
There are protections and resources to support you, but sometimes systems fail.
These recommendations can help you exercise your rights, especially during a crisis.

What to do if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and don’t receive help:

  • Go to the emergency room if you need urgent care.
  • Ask to speak with a supervisor if you feel you are not being properly helped.
  • Ask for a patient advocate at hospitals or clinics.
  • If you have insurance, contact your insurer to learn about your rights.
  • If you are denied care, seek legal or community advocacy support.

What to say to demand care:

  • “I am experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate help.”
  • “I fear for my safety and need care now.”
  • “I have the right to receive care and want to speak to a supervisor.”

If you are denied help, ask:

  • “Can you give me this denial in writing?”

We are “Somos Investigadoras.”

We are a team of Latina community researchers and UCSF academics working together to develop and share mental health resources with the Latine community.

Our project is funded by UCSF and carried out in collaboration with Acción Latina (our fiscal sponsor) and Cultura y Artes Nativas dce las Américas (CANA).

We are a team of Latina community researchers and UCSF academics working together to develop and share mental health resources with the Latine community. Our project is funded by UCSF and carried out...