FrequentlyAskedQuestions
Sacramento County Department of Health Services contracts with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to fund local substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services. As part of the contract with DHCS, Sacramento County Department of Health Services, Behavioral Health Services Division – Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services (formerly Alcohol and Drug Services) ensures that state SUD treatment requirements and standards are met.
Sacramento County Provider SUD treatment programs are licensed, registered and approved in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
These FAQs are intended to provide clarification about substance use treatment services available through Sacramento County Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Services (formerly Alcohol and Drug Services). If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact (916) 875-2050 or DHS-SUPT@saccounty.net.
What substance use services are available through Sacramento County Substance Use and Prevention Treatment Services?
We provide treatment and recovery services for substance use by contracting with an array of community-based service providers throughout Sacramento County. The range of services provided includes prevention services for youth, families and schools, withdrawal management (detoxification), residential treatment, outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment, recovery services, case management, perinatal treatment services, and Medication Assisted Treatment services.
Who is eligible for the County’s substance use services?
- Residents of Sacramento County
- Enrolled in Medi-Cal or eligible for Medi-Cal
- Low-income and participating in other County funded programs/projects
- Meets medical necessity as determined by a clinical staff
How can someone access these services?
- Toll-free 24 hour phone line (888) 881-4881
- Sacramento County System of Care (916) 874-9754
- Self-referral direct-to-providers listed on the Community Resource List
Is there a cost for these services?
Services are free (no-charge) for most people with Medi-Cal who receive SUD treatment services from a Sacramento County contracted provider. Other flexible funding for services may also be available.
What does medical necessity mean?
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) guidelines are used to determine the medically necessary level of treatment such as residential, outpatient or intensive outpatient. Medical necessity helps a person qualify for treatment services.
What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders and prevent opioid overdose. MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to alcohol and opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. There are currently no medications that counteract the specific effects of methamphetamine or that prolong abstinence from and reduce the use of methamphetamine by an individual addicted to the drug (Methamphetamine Research Report, National Institute of Drug Abuse, October 2019).