Your Mental Health - A Bay Area Conversation

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- This past year, many Bay Area residents have seen hard times, and it has left a lasting impact on their mental health. Whether you are struggling with something new or an ongoing issue, we want you to know: it's okay to not be okay. Part of Taking Action is listening, and that's what we want to do.

Unlike the pandemic, there is no vaccine for this new crisis, but there are solutions. In our efforts to help people find answers, we want you to join us for "Your Mental Health: A Bay Area Conversation," a one-hour virtual town hall with mental health experts, exploring real solutions to help make each day better.

You can watch the town hall in the video player above.

We'll be talking about mental health amid the pandemic all this week as part of ABC7's Building a Better Bay Area: Mental Health week.

Panelists:

• Nia Saunders, Ph.D.: Pyschologist
• Mark Salazar, MHA: Executive Director at Mental Health Association of San Francisco
• Christine Garcia, PsyD: Regional Director at Edgewood Center for Children and Families
• Margaret Lamar, Ph.D.: Associate Professor at Palo Alto University
• Stuart Buttlaire, Ph.D.: Regional Director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Resources recommended by panelists:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

1-800-273-8255

For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255

San Francisco Suicide Prevention's 24-hour Crisis Line provides immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to everyone who calls or texts.

Crisis Line: 415-781-0500 or 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: 24/7 Confidential Support, Text MYLIFE to 741741

Asian Mental Health Collective offers low-cost mental health services for Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Crisis Stabilization Unit - Edgewood Center for Children and Families

Main Line: 415-682-3278

Referrals are accepted 24/7

The Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) evaluates and triages children and youth (ages 5-17) who are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms or a mental health crisis.

Children's Health Council provides best-in-class learning and mental health services to families from diverse backgrounds regardless of language, location or ability to pay.

For English, call 650-688-3625

For Spanish, call 650-688-3650

If you or someone you know is currently dealing with a mental health crisis, we have provided resources to help here.

We also want to hear from you about any questions you may have. Below you can fill out a form to submit a question for our panel of experts.

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS

• 'I'm not afraid anymore': Overcoming fear and anxiety as the world reopens
• Experts share advice on maintaining mental health as we return to 'normal'
• Who gets to be the 'voice in your head?' Meditation apps push to diversify offerings
• EXCLUSIVE: Look inside UCSF's massive new mental health care facility

Check out more stories and videos about Building a Better Bay Area.