Mental Health Services
The Santa Barbara Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services Department provides mental health services to individuals who qualify. There are several different ways a person can qualify for services, depending on whether they are covered by Medi-Cal, or Medicare. Individuals who are covered by any other health insurance plan are not eligible for ADMHS services and need to contact their health insurance company. As our resources permit, ADMHS also provides mental health services to people in crisis and to those with a serious, persistent mental illness who have no insurance coverage.
In order to receive services through ADMHS, each person’s needs must be evaluated by a mental health professional. There are different “medical necessity” criteria for Medi-Cal, Medicare, and people with no insurance. Individuals who meet medical necessity criteria will be referred to a program that meets their needs. Individuals whose mental health needs do not meet medical necessity criteria will be referred to other agencies or programs in the community.
Detailed information about medical necessity criteria and the evaluation process can be found in our Policies and Procedures, especially numbers 8, 14, and 73 (for outpatient services) and number 9 (for emergencies).
To obtain more information, or for an initial evaluation, please contact our Access Team at 888-868-1649.
You may also find this booklet helpful:
The Santa Barbara County Guide to Medi-Cal Mental Health Services (English)
The Santa Barbara County Guide to Medi-Cal Mental Health Services (Spanish)
Alcohol and Drug Program
CalWORKs Recipients
The CalWORKs program provides temporary financial assistance and employment services to eligible families with minor children. CalWORKs recipients are eligible for AOD assessment, referral, and case management and treatment services.
Court-Ordered and Grant Eligible Individuals
The County of Santa Barbara has limited funding for several court ordered programs including Proposition 36 (Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act), Drug Court and Federal Grants. Eligible individuals can have some, if not all, of their treatment funded through these programs so long as they comply with program requirements and contribute to the cost of treatment based on ability to pay.
Drug Medi-Cal (DMC) Beneficiaries
Many ADP programs are funded by the Drug Medi-Cal program. All youth aged 12 years and older are eligible for Minor Consent Drug Medi-Cal; low income adults may be eligible. Individuals who are Drug Medi-Cal recipients are entitled to substance use disorder services.
Self Pay
Driving under the Influence (DUI) and PC 1000- Drug Diversion programs are self pay. Other AOD treatment services are based on a sliding fee scale with an assessed fee based on ability to pay. Cost should not be a barrier to seeking out treatment as many AOD programs have supplemental funding.