This list is always growing and there are many more resources which are not on here (yet). If you would like your organization or department listed, please email us at info@BrighterHopePsych.com. Please note that Brighter Hope does not endorse any provider or department on this site. Looking for a particular resource or number not listed? Just call Brighter Hope and ask if additional resources are available.
Resources - Please see our article below the phone numbers about ways to feel better!
Helpful Numbers
24-Hour Crisis Lines staffed with folks who can help:
- Sacramento Suicide Prevention Crisis Line
(916) 368-3111
- West Sacramento Crisis Phone Line
(916) 372-6565
- Woodland and Davis Crisis Phone Line
(530) 756-5000
- El Dorado County Suicide Prevention
(530) 676-2119
- Runaway Line for Teens
(916) 371-3779
- WEAVE Crisis Line (Domestic Violence)
(916) 920-2952
- Diogenes Youth Services
(800) 339-7177
- HIV and AIDS Hotline
(800) 367-2437 (English and Spanish)
- Pregnancy Hotline
(916) 451-2273
- Youth Crisis Line
(800) 843-5200
Local Psychiatric Hospitals in Sacramento:
- Heritage Oaks Hospital
(916) 489-3336
- Sierra Vista Hospital
(916) 288-0300
- Sutter Center for Psychiatry
(916) 386-3000
Homeless Shelters:
- Union Gospel
(916) 447-3268
- Davis Shelter (located in Davis, CA)
(530) 753-9204
- Loaves and Fishes
(916) 446-0874
- Salvation Army (men only)
(916) 442-0303
- St. John’s (women only)
(916) 448-0701
Also visit: www.sacpros.org for a very extensive list of resources for housing, mental health, and many many more!
- Are you the victim of (or witnessed) a crime? You may qualify for free mental health services. Call the Victim Compensation Department
(916) 874-5701
- Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center
(916) 875-1000
- Sacramento County Child Psychiatric Crisis Unit (MERT)
(916) 875-1114
- Placer County ACCESS (for mental health services)
(916) 787-8860
- Primary Care Clinic (Broadway in Sacramento)
(916) 874-9670
- Yolo County Mental Health
(888) 965-6647
- Food Stamps and Medi-Cal Applications (Sacramento)
(916) 874-2072
- UC Davis Campus Students – Counseling Center
(530) 752-2300 (students only)
- Sac State Students – CSUS Counseling Center
(916) 278-6416
- Sacramento County Child Protective Services
(916) 875-KIDS
- Sacramento County Adult Protective Services
(916) 874-9377
- Yolo County Child Protective Services
(530) 669-2345
- Yolo County Adult Protective Services
(916) 375-6239
- Geriatric Support Network
(916) 648-2800
- Asian Pacific Community Counseling Center
(916) 383-6783
- Sacramento Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Center
(916) 442-0185
- Alcohol and Drug Resources and Referrals within Sacramento
(916) 874-9754
- Veteran Administration Mental Health (at Mather)
(916) 366-5420
- Are you on Sacramento County Medi-Cal and need mental health services? Call:
ACCESS Team (Child and Family)(916) 875-9980ACCESS Team (Adult)(916) 875-1055Other Important Numbers:
Feeling down and want a few ways to feel better?
Almost everyone has experienced the blues every now and then, and it can range from slightly gloomy to mind-numbingly deep despair. Normal life can be a roller coaster, and understanding there are peaks and valleys reinforces the fact that ‘this too shall pass.’ Keep in mind that depression and the blues often sap your energy and your drive, so you need to overcome the urge to do nothing. There are definite and positive actions that you can take to help yourself, but they do require you to take action. Though it can be difficult to do things to feel better when you are feeling down, know that every time you push yourself to move forward, you’ll be a little closer to feeling better permanently.
Small Steps: Start with a couple of small steps and build on them. Though your energy level is low, take a drive in the country or plant some flowers in a pot. Take things slow and reward yourself with something you love each time you accomplish something, no matter how insignificant it might seem. The idea is to gain some momentum in the right direction, and the baby steps quickly turn into walking, then running, as all parents know.
Exercise: Pick some kind of exercise that you enjoy and push yourself to do it regularly. A brisk walk outdoors can do wonders, and going to a gym gives you an added benefit of regular interaction with others, if your blues are even partially caused by loneliness.
Meditation: Find a quiet spot and relax. Meditation calms your body and your mind, and is easy to do. Light a candle, practice some deep breathing, and completely clear your mind for ten minutes a day. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes in your life.
Reach Out: Turn to family or a beloved friend to boost your mood. Often, when people are blue, they fail to interact as they normally would, and your friends and family will be thrilled to hear from you. Spend time with happy people…it is hard to feel down when you do.
Focus on the positive: When feeling blue, it is easy to focus on what’s wrong. Start a ‘gratitude journal’ where you write down everything positive that happens each day. It may be difficult at first, depending on how deeply depressed you’re feeling, but commit to finding at least three positive things to put in your journal daily. After a while, you’ll realize there is also a lot of good in your life.
Cues from nature: Another reason to get outside is to see how animals act and interact. They don’t worry about anything, but just live for the moment. If you’re lucky enough to have a puppy or dog in your life, you can also learn a lot from their unconditional love. The vastness of nature can also help to put your small problems into perspective.
Get professional help if needed: Approximately 15 million Americans are affected by clinical depression annually, so you are not alone. If your negative feelings persist, ask for professional help. We at Brighter Hope are here to help you be your very best. Please contact us if you would like to explore treatment options.
