The January 23, 2023, shooting in Half Moon Bay that left seven people dead has also left hundreds of other people shaken and scarred by what they have seen and read about.
There are a number local, state, and national help centers for those looking to talk with someone about what they witnessed and how they’re feeling in the wake of this tragedy.
National
The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers 24/7 free crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster (including mass shootings). Please call or text (800) 985-5990 to reach a counselor in 100+ languages via 3rd party interpretation services.
California
The California Peer Run Warm Line is a non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking mental and emotional support, providing help by phone and webchat to anyone in need. Call (855) 845-7415 to speak to a counselor.
The California Coalition for Youth operates a crisis line 24/7 to help young people ages 12-24 and families in crisis. You can reach an operator at (800) 843-5200.
San Mateo County
Dial 2-1-1 from any cell phone to get access to free and confidential health and human services information in the County.
The San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services operates a 24/7 call center to provide mental health care for San Mateo County residents . If you or a loved one is struggling from a mental health challenge, call (800) 686-0101.
The San Mateo County Office of Consumer & Family Affairs is staffed by people who help answer questions, resolve concerns and help you navigate mental health and substance use services. Reach the office at (800) 388-5189.
The StarVista Youth SOS (Stabilization, Opportunity and Support) Team provides 24/7 mobile crisis response to anyone under age 25 who is experiencing mental health symptoms within San Mateo County. You can reach them at (650) 355-8787.
SafeSpace is a youth-led, mental health-focused organization that empowers young people to engage openly with their local schools and communities. It creates and implements initiatives to change the conversation around mental health by educating and encouraging young people to speak up, support others, and seek help when needed. You can reach them at (650) 714-4417 and info@safespace.org.