​Community Support Team (CST)

Support that meets you where you are 

The Community Support Team (CST) provides community-based, field-based support for people who need help but are not experiencing an emergency that requires 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

Community Support Team (CST) helps fill the gap between outpatient services and crisis response, offering short-term, in-person support focused on coping, connection, and access to resources. 

How to Access the Community Support Team 

There are several ways to connect with the Community Support Team. 

 


Make A Referral

Anyone can make a referral.

Call the Community Support Team (CST) directly at (916) 874-6015 



Submit the Community Support Team (CST) referral form by emailing or faxing to (916) 854-8939

What Happens After a Referral 

After a referral is received:  

  1. Community Support Team (CST) reviews the request to confirm it is non-emergency 

  1. Community Support Team (CST) confirms request is related to mental health and/or substance use/abuse  

  1. A team member may reach out for additional information 

  1. If appropriate, the Community Support Team (CST) coordinates field-based support  

  1. The Community Support Team (CST) helps connect individuals to ongoing services, as needed 

  

Why the Community Support Team (CST) Matters 

Many situations don’t fit neatly into emergency or crisis systems—but still require support.  

The Community Support Team (CST) exists to: 

  • Reduce unnecessary emergency calls  

  • Offer compassionate, community-based support 

  • Help people connect to the right resources at the right time  

  • Strengthen community well-being 

  

What Is the Community Support Team (CST) ? 

The Community Support Team (CST) is a non-emergency support program designed to help individuals, families, and community members navigate challenging situations before they escalate into a crisis. 

Our goal is to help people feel supported, connected, and guided toward the services they need to improve their well-being. 

What the Community Support Team (CST) Can Help With 

The Community Support Team (CST) is a field-based program that comes to you. Our team can meet people in the community, including at home or another safe location. This approach helps reduce barriers to care and allows support to happen where people feel most comfortable. 

The Community Support Team (CST) can: 

  • Respond to non-urgent behavioral health or wellness concerns 
  • Provide practical coping strategies and emotional support 
  • Help people navigate systems and connect to services 
  • Offer short-term support (up to 60 days) when appropriate 
  • Make referrals to mental health, substance use, and community-based services 
  • Support individuals, families, and communities during stressful life situations 

Think of the Community Support Team (CST) as: 

A supportive, knowledgeable presence - like a trusted friend - who helps you take the next step. 

Who This Program Serves  

The Community Support Team (CST) serves: 

Community members seeking help
for themselves 

Friends, family members, or neighbors concerned about someone’s well-being 

Hospitals and healthcare providers seeking
non-emergency follow-up support 

Law enforcement and first responders looking for alternatives to emergency or enforcement-based responses 

Who You’ll Work With 

The Community Support Team (CST) services are provided by trained peers and counselors. 

Peers in the program build trust, reduce stigma, and create supportive connections by bringing their lived experiences of seeking wellness into their work. 

Counselors in the program are trained and skilled in providing clinical assessments and interventions. 

  

Not Sure Who to Call? 

Use this guide to choose the right support. 

Call the Community Support Team (CST) when: 

  • Someone is struggling but not in immediate danger 
  • You need in-person, community-based support 
  • Help is needed connecting to services or resources 
  • The situation doesn’t require emergency response 

Call or text 988 when: 

  • Someone is in emotional distress or crisis 
  • There are thoughts of suicide or self-harm 
  • Immediate emotional support by phone or text is needed 

Call 911 when: 

  • There is immediate danger 
  • A medical emergency is occurring 
  • There is active violence or risk of harm 

Important: If a situation is life-threatening or unsafe, always call 911. 

Hours and Contact Information  

Crisis Resources 

If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

If someone is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide call or text 988–Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 

(Available 24/7)