Santa Barbara County’s Free Behavioral Wellness Access Line Sees Surge in Calls

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — Local mental health experts say calls to their crisis hotline have increased since News Channel highlighted the service in December, indicating that more people are seeking help.

“When we last spoke, we were approaching the holiday season, a time notorious for higher call volumes and increased struggles in the community,” said Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness spokeswoman Suzanne Grimmesey.

During the holidays last year, crisis line workers received about 1,100 calls per month.

In January of this year, that number rose to 1,500.

Santa Barbara County access line workers assist callers with issues ranging from substance use to mental health crises, connecting them with life-saving resources.

While the volume of calls related to substance use disorder services has remained steady, calls for mental health services have spiked.

“When people call in crisis, we send out our mobile crisis team. We're seeing an increase in those calls… but we’re also seeing a 20% decrease in people needing hospitalization,” Grimmesey said.

Mental health experts say the rise in calls isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it often means people are reaching out for help earlier.

“We’re engaging earlier in a crisis event and can make a safety plan, helping people avoid hospitalization or a 5150 hold,” said Connor Pearce, crisis and access services program manager. “These calls aren’t just from hospitals or law enforcement. Family members are calling about their loved ones, and clients themselves are calling and saying, ‘Hey, I think I need somebody to help me out.’ It’s all led to really positive results.”

The access line is working to hire two additional staff members to accommodate the increased call volume.

Mental health experts encourage community members to reach out and help those who may be struggling.

“The more we talk about mental health, the more we reinforce that it’s okay to not feel okay—and that there’s somewhere you can call for help,” Grimmesey said.

The free, 24/7 Santa Barbara County Access Line is available at (888) 868-1649.

Services are provided in English and Spanish.