Program areas at Contra Costa Crisis Center
Crisis Intervention: We operate the 24 hour 988 suicide prevention and crisis lines for the entire county of Contra Costa. Founded in 1963, it was one of the first of its kind in the U.S. All local calls to the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK and 800-Suicide) are routed here. Staffed by highly-trained personnel and volunteers, the lines provide counseling, support, and resource information to people experiencing personal crisis as well as those contemplating suicide. We also handle all night, weekend, and holiday suspicion of child abuse report calls to Children's Protective Services and suspicion of elder abuse and dependent adult calls to Adult Protective Services both of the Employment & Human Services Department of Contra Costa County.
Other InformationThe Crisis Center is governed by a community volunteer Board of Directors. A staff of approximately 24 people, assisted by 100 plus volunteers, provides mental health services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our operating budget is $2.5 million (95% for direct services and 5% for administration and fundraising). About 44% of our funding comes from private sources (individuals, businesses, foundations, civic clubs, religious groups, and proceeds from Leftovers Thrift Shop - a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Crisis Center). The remaining 56% comes from government contracts and grants. We own our 7,000 square-foot facility in Walnut Creek.
Information and Referral: 211 is the national, toll-free, three-digit phone number to call for help and information, and were the authorized 211 provider in Contra Costa County. Trained resource specialists answer calls from people in the community who need health and social services. We also partner with our Counties Office of Emergency Services to respond in a disaster. Our 211 database has up to-date information on 2,500 resources for local residents, and is accessible free of charge in multiple languages. We also publish a parenting guide of essential services in both English and Spanish.