About the California Warm Line

The Mental Health Association of San Francisco's (MHASF) California Peer Run Warm Line (CA Warm Line) stands as a beacon of hope, providing a non-emergency, voluntary mental health resource available 24/7 to all Californians. This service, the largest peer-run warm line in the nation, is staffed by trained peers with lived experience, offering empathetic and non-coercive support to those navigating mental health challenges.

Immediate Support

Individuals who contact the CA Warm Line seek support for a wide variety of issues, including:

Experiences of anxiety and panic
Feelings of isolation and loneliness
Challenges in interpersonal relationships
Substance use concerns
Emotional impact of public health emergencies
Support during natural disasters such as California wildfires

Why a Warm Line in the System of Care?

"Preventing crisis involves interventions for individuals at risk for suicide or mental health/substance use crisis. It includes an array of services like warm lines, digital self-help tools, harm reduction programs, recovery support services, and campaigns and initiatives that address stigma and reduce suicide attempts and death." (California Department of Health Care Services, "Building California's Comprehensive 988-Crisis System: A Strategic Blueprint AB 988 Five-Year Implementation Plan to the State Legislature," December 31, 2024)

System of Care Comparison Chart

Testimonials

CA Peer Run Warm Line Caller

"I got a lot out of the call; I had a very good person on the other end who listened really well. I felt heard and pleasantly surprised to connect with such a good person. It's a wonderful service for folks looking to express themselves and find a good person on the other end."

CA Peer Run Warm Line Caller

"I've been using the Warm Line for about three years now. One of the first things I noticed is that counselors have compassion and are able to hold space for many conflicting situations. It's improved my personal relationships, and it's a great complement to my therapy. I can't tell you how many nights I haven't been able to sleep, and the Warm Line has helped me so much. I always wonder if it's actually going to help, and it always does."

CA Peer Run Warm Line Caller

"Thanks to your support, I've needed it less, meaning I'm doing better. I wouldn't have made it if I didn't have support from you. Therapy through my support plan — they try. My therapist cuts me off and ends sessions early; I'm not worth remembering. You all have held me together."