Crisis Support

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255


Crisis Text Line

Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.


NAMI HelpLine

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) M–F, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. PT for free mental health info, referrals and support.


Find a Local NAMI

The Legislation

Assembly Bill 1331 (Irwin) – Mental health: Statewide Director of Crisis Services.

Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin introduced AB 1331 to establish a new position at the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to focus on establishing and monitoring a comprehensive crisis care system that ensures Californians receive the care they deserve in the most expedient way possible. NAMI California is a co-sponsor of this bill with The California Hospital Association.

Read NAMI California’s letter signing on to co-sponsor AB 1331. 

Why We Need It

In many communities, behavioral health crisis services are delivered too late — either by law enforcement or in hospital emergency departments.

California has never had a comprehensive, integrated network of services on which people in a mental health or substance use disorder crisis can rely. Instead, we have a complex patchwork of state and local agencies involved at different touch points, with services that vary by county and based on whether a person is covered by Medi-Cal or private insurance. As a result, people in a behavioral health crisis too often face arrest, involuntary detention, multiple hospitalizations, homelessness, and even early death.

Petition to Support AB 1331

NAMI California supports Letter AB 1331 to establish a new position at the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to improve our crisis care system. You can help support this legislation by signing the support letter.

Sign the petition

30-Second Survey: Crisis Response

Have you had to access emergency response/crisis services to get help for yourself or a loved one? How was the response? What would have improved the experience? Share your answers with our 30-second survey on crisis response.