Sacramento County - CORE,FSP, and THRIVE
Sacramento County’s Adult Outpatient Mental Health Continuum offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of adults living with moderate to severe mental health challenges. Through a network of wellness centers, outpatient clinics, and intensive support programs, the County provides accessible, community-based care focused on improving functioning, stability, and connection to resources. Services are available to adults 18 and older who meet criteria for specialty mental health services, with an emphasis on flexibility, cultural responsiveness, and peer support.
The continuum includes low-to-moderate intensity clinics, CORE programs that integrate wellness and outpatient services, high-intensity Full-Service Partnerships (FSPs), and targeted Thrive programs for justice-involved individuals. Whether individuals need drop-in support, structured therapy, or intensive case management, Sacramento County’s outpatient mental health system is designed to meet people where they are and help them move toward recovery and wellness.
Sacramento County Adult Outpatient Mental Health Services Overview Eligibility:
Adults 18+
Must meet criteria for Specialty Mental Health Services, based primarily on level of functioning rather than diagnosis.
Key Program Categories
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Low to moderate level outpatient care
County-operated teaching clinic for MSW and medical students
Services include:
-Crisis intervention
-Psychiatric support
-Nursing and counseling
-Peer partner support
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Moderate to high intensity outpatient and wellness center services
Each site has two components:
CORE Community Wellness Centers
✅ Peer-led, drop-in spaces with meals, groups, computer access, and connection to resources
✅ Outreach teams engage unhoused populations and hard-to-reach individuals✅ Capacity: ~600 people annually per site
CORE Outpatient Programs
✅Located alongside wellness centers
✅Community-based and flexible service delivery
✅Capacity: ~700 individuals per 30-day period
✅Services include: case management, therapy, assessment, rehab, crisis services, plan development
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High-intensity outpatient mental health care
Designed to stabilize individuals at risk of entering institutional care
24/7 on-call support available
Services similar to CORE, but more intensive and frequent (up to 5 days/week)
Often include permanent supportive housing
Includes case management, therapy, and referrals (especially for pregnant/new moms)
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Focus on justice-involved populations (e.g., mental health court, diversion programs)
Similar services to FSPs or CORE Outpatient, with added support for criminal justice integration
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Members are flagged via a Notification of Pregnancy (NOP) form
NOP submission includes risk factors, due dates, and contact information
Triggers enrollment into SSFB and possible further assessment
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Depression screenings during OB or primary care visits
Follow-up and coordination with county services or health providers based on screening scores
Shared presentations and toolkits available post-meeting, including doula resource flyers
Peer Support Services
Access to Services
Walk-in access at wellness centers
Call the Access Line for screening and linkage to mental health or substance use services
FSPs require a level of intensity screening tool (LIST)
If higher care is needed, outpatient sites can initiate the referral to FSPs