Family Support Specialists – Adult Services
Family Support Specialists of San Luis Obispo and North Santa Barbara Counties provide education, information, and assistance with navigating the public and private mental health systems. We create a caring, confidential environment that empowers family and friends to better understand and cope with the realities of chronic and persistent mental illness. All services are available in both English and Spanish.
Where Are Services Available?
San Luis Obispo and North Santa Barbara County
Who Can Participate?
Families, guardians, and caregivers with an adult loved one who has special mental health needs.
What Services are Provided?
- Advocacy, support and education groups
- Interaction with others who have similar challenges
- Orientation for new families entering the mental health system
- Referrals to additional programs and services that can offer assistance
- Information from professional staff who attend regional and statewide meetings on current mental health policies and resources
- Participation in planning programs and services
How Much Does it Cost?
The Family Support Specialist Program is a free service funded by San Luis Obispo County Department of Behavioral Health, Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, and the Mental Health Services Act. No referral, CenCal, MediCal, or an open county mental health case is necessary.
How Do I Access Services?
If you have any questions prior to being contacted, please reach out to the staff below.
San Luis Obispo County
Vivian Soul - Family Support Specialist San Luis Obispo
805-540-6572
Michelle Chavez-Michel - Family Support Coordinator
North Santa Barbara County
Maria Perez - Santa Maria and Surrounding Areas (Se habla Español)
805-441-3325
Lorena Jimenez – Lompoc and Surrounding Areas (Se habla Español)
805-458-5487
To enroll in Family Services and receive more information, please click here complete this electronic intake and release form to be contacted directly by staff.
If you are an Outside Agency referring for services, please complete and return this form: Outside Agency Referral Form
For any questions, call Jorge Huerta (Se habla Español),
Family Services Program Manager
at (805) 540-6571