Tejal Somvanshi
VIA Metropolitan Transit marked World Mental Health Day on October 10 by illuminating the Crossroads Park and Ride facility in green and displaying a special mental-health message inside buses.
VIA President and CEO Jon Gary Herrera emphasized the importance of supporting employee well-being and strengthening community resilience. The transit agency highlighted a range of crisis resources and support services available to residents of San Antonio and Bexar County.
For residents seeking immediate support, the most direct resource is the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available by calling or texting 988 or online at 988lifeline.org. The service provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone in emotional distress. Veterans can press one after dialing 988 to access the Veterans Crisis Line.
For local crisis support in Bexar County, the Center for Health Care Services operates a 24-hour crisis and substance use helpline at 210-223-7233, also at 800-316-9241. The CHCS helpline serves all ages and addresses both mental health and substance use concerns.
For emergencies, immediate danger requires a call to 911. Bexar County recommends asking for a Crisis Intervention Team officer when someone is attempting suicide or becoming dangerously violent.
San Antonio has developed additional specialized response resources. The city’s SA CORE team—Community Outreach and Resiliency Effort—is a 24-hour mental health crisis response combining an SAPD Mental Health Unit officer, an SAFD paramedic, and a CHCS clinician. For a non-violent mental health emergency, residents can reach SA CORE by calling 911.
The City of San Antonio’s Metro Health Office of Mental Health and Resilience, established in 2022, coordinates mental health services across the community. The City also maintains the San Antonio Community Resource Directory, a searchable database of local health and social services.
For ongoing support, the Center for Health Care Services serves as Bexar County’s local mental health authority, offering services for children and adults with mental health conditions, substance use challenges, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Appointments can be scheduled at 210-261-2427.
Additional support lines include the Trevor Project LGBTQ crisis line at 1-866-488-7386 and the First Responder Helpline at 833-367-4689. TTY users can dial 711 then 988 to access the 988 Crisis Lifeline. The Bexar County Department of Behavioral Health organizes resources by type of need and provides a resource directory covering mental health and substance use services, housing assistance, financial help, and food resources.
