SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGTV) -- California Monday launched the state’s first ever mental health line.
The free service will offer non-emergency emotional support and referrals to California residents via telephone or instant messaging.
State residents can access the California Peer-Run Warm Line at 1-855-845-7415.
The line is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
By the end of the year, the state expects that the call center will be available 24/7.
In peer-run or peer-to-peer programs, someone who has personally gone through similar mental health challenges provides support to callers.
“Too many Californians are struggling with mental health and emotional well-being challenges. Peer-to-peer support is a proven way of helping people stay healthy and get the help they need. The California Peer-Run Warm Line is an important resource for so many people, and I’m thrilled we were able to get it funded,” said State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco.)
The line was made possible through the state budget allocation of $10.8 million, which will be spread over three years.
The debut of the line comes days before Thursday's World Mental Health Day.
