Depression screening for mental health problems

Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and affects your normal actions each day, you may be depressed.

Some Symptoms of Depression are:

  • Feeling sad or anxious often
  • Eating more or less than usual
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Thinking about hurting yourself

Resources for Help

Exercise can reduce worry or depression. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to see what type of exercise is safe for you. Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in charge of your health care.

You can find free and low-cost fitness classes at SFHP Health and Wellness Classes.

Learn exercise tips and how staying active can help you with a Physical Activity Fact Sheet.

Carelon Behavioral Health

If you have Medi-Cal, you can get mental health care at no cost with Carelon Behavioral Health.

A Behavioral Health Specialist can call you within 48 hours to do a mental health screening. The screening will help you learn about treatments for depression. You do not need a referral. Call 1(855) 371-8117 to learn more or make an appointment.

24/7 Teladoc

You can use Teladoc to talk with a doctor 24/7 over phone, smartphone app, or video. Teladoc is free and you can get care from a doctor for non-emergency problems. Learn more at sfhp.org/teladoc or call 1(800) 835-2362.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Remember, you are not alone. If you are thinking about suicide, call 988 for the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat or text 988 to 988. It is free and confidential. A skilled, trained crisis worker will talk with you, provide support, and share resources that may help. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Reasons to call can be:

  • Substance use
  • Financial worries
  • Relationships
  • Sexual identity
  • Illness
  • Getting over abuse
  • Depression and mental illness
  • Loneliness

For Spanish, call 1(800) 628-9454. For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Get support when you need it.

CalHOPE Connect

You can call CalHOPE Connect which offers safe support from someone who speaks your language. A peer or mental health worker can give you support with:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

CalHOPE protects your information. They do not need your full or last name, address, or phone number. You can chat online or call the CalHOPE 24/7 warmline at 1(833) 317-4673.