Behavioral Health Menu

Self-Help and Vocational/Employment Resources

Self-Help Resources

County Mental Health is committed to centers for clients and family members to provide peer support, activities, groups and education for one another. There are a number of organizations developed to provide individuals and families information and referral services.

  • The Mental Health Client Action Network (MHCAN) is a client run program offering a range of supports and social amenities including coffee, phone access, and a place to socialize or get information about community and mental health resources. MHCAN also offers art, writing, guitar classes, peer support groups. A computer lab offers Internet access and homework assistance. MHCAN is located at 1051 Cayuga/Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz. For more information and current monthly schedules, call (831) 469-0462.
  • Community Connection – Mariposa Wellness Center outpatient mental health services focuses on pre-employment skill building, mental health education, healthy lifestyle education, recovery, wellness, socialization, peer support and community integration.
    • Bilingual/bicultural services offered.
    • For more information contact: (831) 768-8132 ext. 309

Vocational/Employment Resources

  • Career Services is a program of Community Connection providing employment support for adults with mental health challenges. Participants set their individual career goals and work with staff to identify and remove barriers to employment. Job-search assistance is available, including help with resumes, applications and interview skills. Support is also available to participants in maintaining employment and job coaching. Staff can meet with participants in either Community Connection’s north or south county locations at 300 Harvey West Blvd. in Santa Cruz or 10 Carr St. in Watsonville.
    • For more information contact: (831) 425-8132 ext. 205
  • Avenues is an outpatient program for adults with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. Centered on a “work first” approach using mental health and substance use recovery activities, employment related activities, volunteerism and education support as the primary tools for stabilization and early recovery. Avenues is a Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funded innovative program.
    • For more information contact: (831) 768-8132 ext. 306
  • Opportunity Connection
  • outpatient mental health services for Santa Cruz County Mental Health System of Care with groups focusing on pre-employment skill building, mental health education, healthy lifestyle education, recovery, wellness, socialization, peer support and community integration.  Groups run from 9 am to 1 pm Monday- Friday
    • For more information contact: (831) 425-8132 ext. 213
  • Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Education, employment and volunteerism support services for transition age youth 18 + and adults who are at risk of serious mental illness or suicide or are experiencing symptoms of a serious mental illness. The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funds PEI and services are free and voluntary to qualifying individuals. Eligible participants do not need to be connected to the Santa Cruz County Mental Health System of Care and staff can meet participants in the community.
    • For more information contact: (831) 425-8132 ext. 218