County Access and Crisis Line Changing Its Number

Editor’s Note: The following is a news release from the San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency. 

Starting February 15, people who need help with mental health including alcohol or drug abuse, suicide prevention, medication needs, and more can call a new and easier-to-remember telephone number: (888) 724-7240.

The easiest way to remember the new number for the County’s Behavioral Health Access and Crisis Line is to think of getting help 7/24. The line operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (724-724). The 0 is easy to remember as it is a number people call for help from an operator.

 “County residents wanted an easier number to remember and we listened,” said Chairman Ron Roberts, County Board of Supervisors. “This is a number change only and does not affect the services offered to callers.”

At the Access and Crisis Line, trained counselors offer advice on how to handle a mental health crisis, and can help callers with a specific issue. They will talk to callers about services available in their area, including mental health services for those with Medi-Cal or no insurance. All calls are answered in 60 seconds or less.

“Mental health is just as important as physical well-being,” said Nick Macchione, Director of the County Health and Human Services Agency. “Access to mental health services is a key support for living healthily and safely, and part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative.”

The previous number, (800) 479-3339, will continue working until calls no longer come in on that line.

Established in 1997, the Access and Crisis Line receives about 7,000 calls per month and is operated by OPTUMHealth with County funding.

Every year, more than 61,000 adults and children benefit from services offered by County mental health programs.