County boosts Mental Health Navigator program

SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors recently increased funding and staff for the County’s Behavioral Health Navigator Program, an initiative proposed by Supervisor Joe Simitian. Simitian serves as Chair of the County’s Health and Hospital Committee. The new County program, which launched in July 2022, helps residents navigate the County’s mental health system, including public and private resources.

“This is good news,” said Simitian. “The Mental Health Navigator Program is a one-stop shop, designed to help those who encounter challenges or barriers when seeking mental health care for themselves or their loved ones. We’re adding more staff to the program because the public is using this service to access a ‘system’ that can be complicated, confusing, and bureaucratic. And there are even more folks who need help finding the right path to treatment.”

The Behavioral Health Navigator Program launched in July 2022 to connect individuals and families to County and County-contracted services, and when appropriate, even identifies private resources and help guide the public through the mental health system. The goal is to connect residents with the resources that best fit their needs. Following established privacy protocols, trained navigators offer:

• Personalized assistance to get help for behavioral health needs;
• Knowledgeable information and resources for mental health, substance use, suicide prevention, support groups, and more;
• Peer guidance about options for wellness services and support;
• Connection to County and community-based resources; and,
• Support from peers with an understanding of local services.

“Navigators listen to concerns, provide information, and connect people with resources for themselves and their families. They work with County programs and nonprofit partners to find the best fit,” said Simitian. “From the beginning, my hope has been that by guiding members of our community through and around barriers, we can help them get the treatment they need and get their lives back on track.”

Santa Clara County residents may contact the Behavioral Health Navigator Program by calling (800) 704-0900, option 4, or emailing [email protected].