Yes, our clinics are open for services. Some services may still be provided over telephone or via telehealth. You may call 1-(800)-838-1381 or contact your your treatment team for more information on how the COVID-19 pandemic effects the services you are enrolled in.

Following Public Health guidelines, all clients and visitors are required to wear masks indoors and be screened by a staff member for COVID-19 symptoms. You may notice plexiglass at front counters to allow a six foot distance between you and the receptionists. Handing in forms, signing in, etc. is safe and should not be considered a risk.

Enhanced cleaning, following public health guidelines are in place at all our facilities. All staff are following public health guidelines for maintaining a clean workspace and have been instructed to wipe down phones, computer keyboards, door handles, desks, etc. regularly, and especially after in-person visits. 

Maybe. Some services may still be provided over telephone or via telehealth. You should call 1-(800)-838-1381 or contact your your treatment team for more information on where or not you may enroll in telehealth services. 

Telehealth over Zoom for Health

To avoid a delay in completing your treatment program, County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health will begin offering Remote Client Services. Remote Client Services will enable you to continue program with a certified counselor via a virtual meeting platform called Zoom.

In order to help you participate in Zoom Remote Client Services, we have created user-friendly instructions and tutorials found here. Your treatment team will be in contact with you over email with a web link so you may join your sessions virtually through a computer, tablet, or phone.

Behavioral Health clinics request that all clients to call 1-(800)-838-1381 if they are needing urgent services at this time.

Our phone lines may be very busy at first; please be patient and be assured that a staff member will return your call.

Remote Client Services will enable you to continue program with a certified counselor via a virtual meeting platform called Zoom.

In order to help you participate in Zoom Remote Client Services, we have created user-friendly instructions and tutorials found here. Your treatment team will be in contact with you over email with a web link so you may join your sessions virtually through a computer, tablet, or phone.

Some Behavioral Health programs may require additional forms to be completed. Please reach out to your treatment team with questions and concerns.

We are suspending most group sessions at this time, unless social distancing and/or meetings over telephone or via telehealth are allowed. Court ordered services will continue until otherwise directed by Superior Court. 

All court ordered and mandated services will continue until otherwise directed by Superior Court. Behavioral Health clinics requests all clients to call 1-(800)-838-1381 if they are needing urgent services at this time.

Remote Client Services will enable you to continue program with a certified counselor via a virtual meeting platform called Zoom so you can continue your treatment in the comfort of their own home.

In order to help you participate in Zoom Remote Client Services, we have created user-friendly instructions and tutorials found here. Your treatment team will be in contact with you over email with a web link so you may join your sessions virtually through a computer, tablet, or phone.

If you are in crisis, please call the Central Coast Hotline at (800)783-0607. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HELLO to 741-741.

It important during this time to stay up to date on your medications, as well as have a three month supply available in case of emergency. Refills can be given to clients up to three months provided that they are psychiatrically stable and have been keeping their appointments on a regular basis.

If clients have not been seen for over four months, Behavioral Health can refill their prescription one time at an 1 month supply until there is a face to face visit or. A telephone evaluation would suffice in lieu of an office visit as well.

We want you to know your feelings are completely valid! This is an extremely uncertain time for many. We have made a list of resources that can help you cope and manage your stress and anxiety. Visit our Resources for Coping with COVID-19 page here.

Our Prevention and Early Intervention I counselors have created an online resource of activities for students to develop their coping skills, manage anxiety, and help process other emotions as they would in person with the counselor. You can find a list of those activities at www.slofnl.com/covid-19.

Parent Tips for Supporting a Child with Mental Health Needs:

1. Care for yourself first (tend to your emotions, connect with a friend/family member, engage in self-care), so you can be more fully present with your child
2. Encourage fresh air and sunlight - Ask them to go on a walk with you or eat a meal in the backyard!
3. Create daily structure and schedules for them. Kids survive and thrive best when there is structure. Structure creates safety.
4. Spend time together! Try to limit excessive time spent alone in separate rooms.
5. Ask questions - even if you think they are doing okay! (Limit screens and distractions during these conversations)
   1. How are you doing with all of this?
   2. How can I support you right now?
   3. What is something you are struggling with right now?
6. Talk about it!
7. Model healthy sharing, coping skills, and stress management about emotions and challenges.
8. Show them that it is okay to talk about and acknowledge these things. Even though things are different, difficult, and stressful right now – demonstrate how to implement healthy responses to these experiences.
9. Talk to your kids about what they are hearing from the media and help them process this information by asking questions, providing the facts, and offering reassurance. Remember to set limits on media exposure.