In order to qualify for Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) an individual must meet Medi-Cal’s medical necessity criteria for specialty mental health services and have an ACBHCS insurance plan. ACBHCS insurance plans/programs include Alameda County Medi-Cal, Children and Family Services (per MOU with CFS), Health Program of Alameda County (HealthPAC), CalWorks, Medically Indigent Child (MIC) and Medicare/Medi-Cal (for services not covered by Medicare).

As an insurance plan for Medi-Cal recipients, we are required to operate a 24/7/365 telephonic referral line to ensure that our insurance beneficiaries can have around-the-clock access to their behavioral health insurance benefits. This phone number is the point of entry for behavioral health services and referrals.

For questions about services or to see if you or your loved ones qualify for services, please call First Step at 1-800-491-9099.