LIST OF SUPPORT SERVICES
For young children in San Mateo County
Early childhood mental health is a child’s ability to form relationships, manage emotions, and explore the world with confidence. Early support helps children build a strong foundation for learning, resilience, and well-being. Below are explanations of mental health resources in San Mateo County.
GOOD PLACES TO START TO SUPPORT CHILDREN
HELP ME GROW SAN MATEO COUNTY
A good place to start, for all San Mateo families.
They can help guide you to child development and mental health support.
Services
Offers guidance and referrals for families to get the support they need, including mental health support (“care coordination”).
Provides screenings to check children’s strengths and find areas where they may need help (“developmental screenings”).
Requirements
Services are available for children from birth through age five.
Families must reside in San Mateo County.
Services are free and accessible regardless of income or immigration status.
Services available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Best Way to Contact
Call or text: (650) 762-6930
BRIGHT LIFE KIDS
A video-based coaching service, supporting parents and children.
(Note: This is not a therapy service. If your child has been struggling for a long time, or faces more serious challenges seek a therapist.)
Services
Video/phone coaching help for kids ages 0–12 and their families with mental health and behavior.
Advice for parents on raising children, handling emotions, and social skills.
Also provides safe chat feature and tools for daily problems.
Requirements
Available to all families in California with kids ages 0–12.
Everything is free. No insurance needed.
Coaches available in English and Spanish.
Best Way to Contact
Website: Bright Life Kids
Or call: (888) 224-7332
therapy services FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
ONE LIFE COUNSELING CENTER
Mental health and crisis help center.
Services
Provides therapy and mental health help for individuals and families.
Includes support for grief, parenting, and programs for kids and teens.
Requirements
Available to anyone living in San Mateo County.
Open to people of all ages, with no income limits. They use pay-what-you-can pricing.
Language capabilities: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian, and Mongolian.
Services available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Best Way to Contact
Website: One Life
Or call: (650) 394-5155
AYUDANDO LATINOS A SOÑAR (ALAS)
Coastal San Mateo Center focused on Latino families
Services
Provides therapy for individuals and families.
Offers group counseling.
Also provides support around immigration, crisis support, and social services.
Requirements
Available to families living in San Mateo County. Focus on Latino families living in coastside communities.
Therapy is free. Available in English and Spanish.
Best Way to Contact
Website: ALAS
Or call: (650) 560-8947
PUENTE DE LA COSTA SUR
A community center for the South Coast of San Mateo County.
Services
Health and wellness programs with bilingual experts, including mental health support.
Also provides services for public benefits, taxes, housing, food, and literacy.
Requirements
Serves people living in San Mateo County’s South Coast (Pescadero, La Honda, Loma Mar, San Gregorio).
No income limits or restrictions.
Available in English and Spanish.
Best Way to Contact
Website: Puente
Or call: (650) 560-8947
SAN MATEO COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES (BHRS)
Provides mental health support services for residents who are on Medi-Cal or are uninsured.
Services
Help with mental health and substance use for all ages.
Provide a 24/7 crisis hotline for urgent help.
Requirements
People living in San Mateo County.
Mainly for those with Medi-Cal, no insurance, or the Health Plan of San Mateo.
Some help may also be available for others.
Best Way to Contact
Call Center: (800) 686-0101
Crisis Hotline: (650) 579-0350
CORA (COMMUNITY OVERCOMING RELATIONSHIP ABUSE)
Focused on helping survivors of partner abuse, including mental health services.
Services
Provides mental health services.
Offers a 24-hour hotline for emergencies.
Also legal advice and safe housing support.
Requirements
Open to anyone in San Mateo County who is a survivor of intimate partner abuse.
No age or income limits.
Best Way to Contact
Website: CORA
24/7 Hotline: (800) 300-1080
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS THROUGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
PRESCHOOL ON-SITE MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS
Ask if your preschool has a mental health specialist (therapist, counselor, or mental health consultant) that come on-site. All Head Start preschools have on-site specialists.
Services
Helps teachers and families with strategies for common challenges.
Observes, identifies concerns early, and connects families to additional resources if needed.
Often this person be a guide, when what to do next is unclear.
Requirements
Your child must be enrolled in a preschool with an on-site mental health specialist. If you aren’t sure, ask your preschool teacher or staff.
Best Way to Contact
Ask at your preschool if there is an on-site mental health specialist.
