Prevention and Outreach Services

Cannabis Health and Safety Information

Learn more about cannabis (marijuana) use, health risks, safety considerations, and resources to support a cannabis use disorder.

College Prevention & Wellness

A new program funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) to increase on-campus exposure to mental health and wellness promotion through training and activities at both Cal Poly and Cuesta College.
 

Customer Awareness Response Effort (CARE)- Not for Ourselves Alone

The “Not for Ourselves Alone” Customer Awareness Response Effort (CARE)  Innovation Program funded by Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds, provides trauma-informed care training across public agencies and programs in the County of San Luis Obispo. The training program offers knowledge, principles and tools to better help customer-service facing staff serve community members experiencing trauma, chronic stress, or mental illness.

Friday Night Live/Club Live/Cal Poly FNL

Friday Night Live (FNL) is California’s leading youth development and substance use prevention program held at participating middle and high schools across San Luis Obispo County. The program also has college-level chapter at Cal Poly. All programs create partnerships for positive and healthy youth development, engage youth as active leaders, and provide opportunities for youth to build skills, knowledge, and attitudes that promote future success. 

May Mental Health Awareness Month

Cartoon brain hugging a cartoon heart with text overlay that reads be kind to your mind.
Cartoon brain hugging a cartoon heart with text overlay that reads protege tu mente..

 

Be Kind To Your Mind

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! We are committed to bringing support and awareness to our community, because mental health matters! Below you will find a variety of events and activities. Can't make an event? You can still show your support at home by downloading our 2024 Activity Guide or browsing the Take Action for Mental Health Toolkit online.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram  for more May Mental Health updates and activities.

Get Involved in May Mental Health Awareness Month: 

  • Snuggles Soothe Struggles: County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health and Animal Services are partnering for Mental Health Month! If you adopt an animal during the month of May, you will receive a cute "Snuggles Soothe Struggles" bandana. Pets have shown improvements in mental health by providing companionship, reducing stress/anxiety, boosting self-confidence, and adding structure to your day. 

    • Looking for a furry friend? Come by the Animal Shelter at 885 Oklahoma Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 and visit their website at Adoptable Animals.

  • Opening Minds Art Show: On May 3rd, Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) will put on a reception for the  Opening Minds 2024 Community Arts Show and will be on display through May 31st. Stop by The Bunker to celebrate mental health. They strive to promote the idea that we should not be defined in terms of our illness, but by our strengths, gifts, and the contributions we make to society. 

    • See you at The Bunker with the address: 810 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, CA

  • 2024 Templeton High School FNL Mock Rock and Talent Show: Wild West: 

    The Templeton High School Friday Night Live Club is hosting their annual Mock Rock and Talent Show. This year’s special theme is “Wild West”! Saddle up and bring your best mock to town! Come see talented high school students and faculty preform their best lip sync routines, as well as some original music and live bands! This fun, all-ages show will be held in the Templeton Preforming Arts Center on campus.

    • Friday, May 3rd @ 7pm in the Templeton Preforming Arts Center located on Templeton High School’s campus.

    • Tickets on sale at gofan.com

  • Out of the Darkness Walk: The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) signature student fundraising series, designed to engage community in the fight to prevent suicide, a leading cause of death. 

    • Event Details:

      • Walk Date: 5/11/2024

      • Walk Location: University Union Plaza (UU) Mustang Way, San Luis Obispo, CA

      • Onsite Registration Time: 10:00 am

      • Walk Program Starts: 11:00 am

      • Click to register here !

  • SLO County Health Agency Bike Breakfast: Our annual Bike Breakfast is back! This event promotes Bike to Work Week and May Mental Health Awareness Month. A great way to take care of your mental health is by exercising! Community members are encouraged to bike to the event for breakfast, music, games, and more. You can take your breakfast burrito or donut to-go or stick around for activities and conversation.

  • SLO Thrive Symposium: Please join SLO Thrive Home Visiting Collaborative for a day-long symposium led by Dr. Beegle, where we'll explore poverty's impact on maternal, infant, and early adolescent health. Gain insights into the experiences of families living in poverty, dispel myths, and understand how our own backgrounds influence communication and relationships. Discover practical strategies to improve outcomes and connect with others dedicated to positive change, enriching community building and fostering individual and family resilience. Reservations for this free event are limited. Secure your spot today!

    • May 17th, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Embassy Suites; 333 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo

    • Breakfast and Lunch included!

    • Register HERE!

  • Behavioral Health at SLO Downtown Farmer's Market: Visit us at SLO Downtown Farmer's Market where you can get Mental Health related goodies, win a swag bag, and get to chat with Behavioral Health staff about services, and how to care for your mental health.

    See you Thursday, May 23rd, at the SLO Downtown Farmer's Market at 6:00 pm!

  • SLO County Wellness Center Open Houses 2024: Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you for the upcoming Open Houses at TMHA Wellness Centers this May. This series of events will be hosted across our three locations: Hope House in SLO, Safe Haven in Arroyo Grande, and Life House in Atascadero.

    • LifeHouse Open House
      • Friday, May 10th, 12:00 to 3:00 PM
      • Address: 5850 West Mall Atascadero
    • HopeHouse Open House
      • Friday, May 17th, 12:00 to 3:00 PM
      • Address: 1306 Nipomo St. San Luis Obispo
    • SafeHaven Open House
      • Friday, May 24th, 12:00 to 3:00 PM
      • Address: 203 Bridge St. Arroyo Grande
    • Learn more about these events here!

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Middle School Comprehensive Program

The Middle School Comprehensive project is an integrated collaboration between the Behavioral Health Department, schools, and community based organizations. This program aims to promote emotional wellness and identify students that may be in need of supportive and helpful services.
 

Residential Wellness Counseling Program

This Federally funded grant program is aimed at providing local college campuses with early intervention resources to address students at risk of or experiencing First Episode Psychosis (FEP).

September Suicide Prevention Month

Purple background with text overlay that reads September is Suicide Prevention Month

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and is the second leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 15-34 years old. San Luis Obispo County’s suicide rate is well above the State of California’s average. 

The Behavioral Health Department collaborates with several local agencies to reduce suicide by increasing culturally sensitive services, messaging, and community-based efforts that engage all members of the county. 

Upcoming Events 2023:

Suicide Prevention Forum

The annual Suicide Prevention Forum is a free community event for people to come together and share stories of loss, recovery, and hope with elements of suicide prevention skills and support from a variety of community organizations. Let us know you if are interested in attending.

  • Tuesday, September 19, 5:30pm-7pm at Family Care Network

Suicide Prevention Summit

Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Tulare, Kings, and Marin Counties are coming together to offer a free Suicide Prevention learning day. Hear from keynote speaker Drew Robinson, a mental health advocate, suicide attempt survivor, and former baseball player.

Event workshops include:

  • Postvention - Danielle Glorioso, LCSW – Columbia/UCSD
  • California County Prevention Programs
  • CALM-Counseling on Access to Lethal Means
  • Redefining Strength: Provider and Lived Experience Panel

Continuing Education units are available for those who attend the entire event. For questions, please email Lisa Crossley at [email protected].

Veterans Outreach: Trivia, BBQ, and Resource Fair

  • Saturday, September 30, 10am-2pm at the Paso Robles American Legion

We're excited to announce County of SLO Veterans Outreach and the Veterans Services Office are hosting Trivia and BBQ at the Paso Robles American Legion from 11:00am-1:00pm on Saturday, September 30. Compete in teams for a chance to win prizes, then enjoy tri-tip sandwiches for lunch! Visit our Veterans Resource Fair between 10:00am-2:00pm to learn about housing, employment, VA benefits, and many more support services for veterans and families. This event is free to attend for those who served in the military and those who are currently serving (guests welcome).

This event is in honor of Suicide Prevention Month and will include education on the topic. Guest speakers Jim Stitt from the Veterans Committee of the Suicide Prevention Council of SLO County and Director of the SLO Vet Center Michael Young will share their experience with veteran suicide and discuss resources available in our community that can help save lives.

Community Supports:

Hospice SLO County Suicide Bereavement Support Group

A support group for those left behind after someone important to them completed suicide. This group meets virtually the second and last Wednesday of every month. Learn more and register here.

Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA)  Survivors of Suicide Attempt Support Group

A support group for survivors of suicide attempt. This group allows a safe space for individuals to feel connected and heard by others with similar experiences. Learn new coping skills and create hope for the future. Meetings are held Mondays from 5:30pm-6:30pm. 

For more information and to register, email [email protected]. 

Student Support Counseling

The Behavioral Health Department's Prevention and Outreach division provides student support counseling services at schools throughout the County. Referrals into the program are made directly through the school. See the list of participating schools below for more information.
 

Veterans Treatment Services

The Behavioral Health Department's Veterans Mental Health Therapist provides individual and group therapy services for veterans and their family members. 

Services may include:

  • Screening, Assessment and Treatment Recommendations
  • Treatment Planning
  • Individual and Group Psychotherapy
  • Access to Psychiatry and Medication services
  • Resource and referral to Veterans benefits services

The Veterans Treatment Program is part of the Mental Health Services Act plan, and provided by the Behavioral Health Department. For more information on Veterans services and benefits, please visit the County's Veterans Services Office page.

Youth Substance Use Treatment Program

The Youth Substance Use Treatment program provides outpatient treatment and counseling services to youth facing substance use disorders.

Our program can also help address additional concerns including:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Peer/ social issues
  • Anger management

​Whatever your needs, we offer an array of treatment services:

  • Screening
  • Individual Counseling
  • Family Counseling
  • Early Intervention
  • Recovery Motivation
  • Relapse Prevention
  • Drug Testing

Ready to start treatment?

Call (800)-838-1381 or (805) 781-4754 or email [email protected] to set up a screening appointment.

To download the Youth Substance Use Treatment Program brochures click here: ENGLISH     SPANISH