Mental health services at Contra Costa Crisis Center are broadened in response to escalating requests for assistance.
In a bid to address the growing demand for mental health support in Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa Crisis Center is ramping up its efforts. The organization is set to launch a new text and chat platform in October, providing more ways for residents to access immediate assistance.
Elaine Cortez Schroth, the Executive Director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center, has emphasized the rising need for local services. She highlighted that since the national rollout of the 988 Lifeline in July 2022, Contra Costa County has seen a dramatic increase in calls for help, with nearly 22,000 calls in the past year, a 79% increase.
The introduction of geo-routing is expected to increase call volume even further, with projections of exceeding 80,000 calls by the end of the year. The Crisis Center encourages residents to raise awareness of the 988 Lifeline to help ensure that no one in Contra Costa County faces a crisis alone.
Local officials and advocates are urging residents to spread the word about available resources, including the 988 Lifeline. The first annual 988 Day will take place on September 8, 2024, with a focus on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The theme for 988 Day is "No Judgment. Just Help," emphasizing accessible, judgment-free assistance for individuals in crisis.
In a related development, the organization "Rat auf Draht" announced starting in September 2025 a new digital chat and text service called "Chateria Speciale." This service aims to provide immediate help and mental health support for students.
The Contra Costa Crisis Center managed over 70,000 calls last fiscal year across 19 different helplines. With the launch of the new text and chat platform and the increasing awareness of the 988 Lifeline, the organization is well-positioned to meet the growing need for mental health support in Contra Costa County.
