California · Listings Checked October 2026

Mental Health Care in California

Where Can You Get Affordable Mental Health Care in California?

SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov lists 957 mental health facilities in California, in 300 cities. Of these, 467 accept Medicaid, 295 offer a sliding fee or payment help, 724 offer telehealth therapy and 486 treat children and teens. In a crisis, call or text 988.

Mental health facilities
957
Accept Medicaid
467
Sliding fee or payment help
295
Telehealth therapy
724

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Mental Health Facilities by City in California

The California cities with the most SAMHSA-listed mental health facilities. All 300 cities are listed below the table.

Mental health facilities in California by city
CityFacilitiesMedicaidSliding fee or helpChildren and teensTelehealth
Mental health care in Los Angeles7138343555
Mental health care in San Diego3316131015
Mental health care in Sacramento261361819
Mental health care in San Francisco18106616
Mental health care in San Juan Capistrano1702413
Mental health care in Woodland Hills1705613
Mental health care in Long Beach1585812
Mental health care in Orange15211212
Mental health care in Pasadena1541710
Mental health care in San Jose151031111
Mental health care in Fresno124389
Mental health care in Newport Beach121218
Mental health care in Costa Mesa113248
Mental health care in Lancaster1198310
Mental health care in Torrance111276
Mental health care in Agoura Hills100157
Mental health care in Malibu100156
Mental health care in Redding108545
Mental health care in Riverside106378
Mental health care in Encino81416
All 300 Cities in California With Mental Health Facilities

Crisis and Support Lines in California

Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. Mobile crisis services are a Medi-Cal benefit (effective January 1, 2023) giving Medi-Cal members access to coordinated crisis care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year through county mobile crisis teams. All county mental health departments have 24/7 hotlines for residents seeking help in a crisis; DHCS lists each county's access line.

California's Mental Health Agency

California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) oversees public mental health services in California.

Medicaid Mental Health Coverage in California

California's Medicaid program is Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal beneficiaries enrolled in Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans may receive mental health services through their managed care plan, or specialty mental health services through their County Mental Health Plan if they meet specialty mental health services medical necessity criteria. The county Mental Health Plans provide specialty mental health services under the CalAIM Section 1915(b) waiver. Covered mental health services the state names include Outpatient mental health services, Outpatient specialty mental health services, Inpatient specialty mental health services, Medi-Cal Peer Support Services (select counties) and Mobile crisis services. Specialty mental health services are for beneficiaries who meet medical necessity criteria; DHCS says this means the condition is severe enough to require a specialist as opposed to a generalist. DHCS says there is no standard referral process beneficiaries must follow to access Medi-Cal covered mental health services.

County Mental Health Plans (MHPs)

The Mental Health Plan in each county is responsible for providing or arranging for the provision of Specialty Mental Health Services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries in their county. All county mental health departments have 24/7 hotlines for local residents seeking help in a crisis and to access local mental health programs.

Check a Therapist's License in California

Before you start, confirm your therapist or psychologist holds an active California license.

Guides for Your Next Step

See how to find a therapist, how sliding-scale therapy works, whether Medicaid covers therapy and the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist.

Related on rehab.help: addiction treatment in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Mental Health Clinics Are in California?

SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov lists 957 mental health facilities in California (checked October 2026), the most in Los Angeles (71).

Is There Low-Cost Therapy in California?

295 of the listed facilities offer a sliding fee scale based on income or other payment assistance, and 372 receive state, county or block-grant funding. Ask about fees when you call.

Which California Mental Health Clinics Accept Medicaid?

467 of the 957 listed facilities accept Medicaid. Confirm your specific plan when you call.

Sources

  1. SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov listing data, checked October 2026
  2. California crisis services
  3. California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
  4. Find local services through California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
  5. Medi-Cal mental health services
  6. California Medicaid behavioral health
  7. Psychologists: California Board of Psychology

In crisis? Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. anxiety.help is an independent guide, not a mental health provider or crisis service, and doesn't give medical advice. For a free, confidential referral, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.