San Mateo marks Suicide Prevention Month with local resources

Free, round-the-clock crisis counseling is available to any San Mateo County resident who calls 650-579-0350, the county's 24/7 crisis line.

San Mateo County Libraries marked the start of National Suicide Prevention Month on Tuesday, Sept. 1 with a blog post urging residents to save that number and share it. The line, staffed by local mental health counselors, covers mental health crises, substance use issues and thoughts of suicide, according to San Mateo County Health.

Residents can also call or text 988 to reach the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which offers online chat, Spanish-language support and services for veterans and deaf or hard-of-hearing callers.

Written by Ella D. of Library Communications, the blog post framed mental health as a year-round practice built on three pillars: "Brain Basics" like sleep, diet and exercise; "Fill Your Cup" activities that bring joy; and "Ask For Help," which encourages residents to lean on community and shed stigma.

The post closed with words from mental health advocate and PBS "Reading Rainbow" host Mychal Threets: "We are not alone. It's okay to need help. Thank you for staying, I'm so happy you're here."

Threets, a Fairfield-based librarian, visited San Mateo County Libraries for storytimes on March 28 and March 29. The library describes him as a "library friend."

A mobile team that comes to you

Help goes beyond the phone. San Mateo County also operates a Mobile Crisis Response Team that can show up in person during a behavioral health emergency. The team, operated by Telecare under a nearly $5 million county contract approved in February 2024, responds within 60 minutes in central county areas and 90 minutes on the coastside, according to a county announcement.

During a pilot phase from May 2024 through March 2025, the team was deployed 320 times and served 220 clients. Dr. Jei Africa, director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, said in an April 2025 announcement that the county aims to make crisis support available anywhere in the county, at any hour, and to bring it directly to people who need it.

Where to find help

San Mateo County Libraries encourages residents to browse upcoming programs at smcl.org/events. Printed postcards and wallet cards listing crisis line information are available at no cost for community organizations through San Mateo County Health.

NAMI San Mateo County also operates a HelpLine at 650-638-0802 for families and individuals seeking guidance on mental illness support.

Key crisis numbers: