​      ​​​MHCAN of Santa Cruz

Mental Health Client Action Network of Santa Cruz

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The Only Peer-Run Organization for those with mental health diagnoses in Santa Cruz.

Program Services


  • Drop-in Center:Provides free food, showers, and laundry services on a first come first serve basis for our members.
  • Peer Groups: MHCAN hosts support groups for individuals with mental illness, including those with trauma histories, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and co-occurring disorders. MHCAN will offer a variety of recovery-focused groups and meetings.  All peer facilitators are adequately trained in these modalities to best support participants.
  • Computer Lab: MHCAN provides a computer lab with internet service that is accessible to participants for individual use as well as computer education and training classes and skill-building to support education and employment goals. 
  • Shadow Speakers: MHCAN’s mental health speaker’s bureau, Shadow Speakers, provides training and opportunities for public speaking about lived experience. The program exists to ensure that schools, hospitals, law enforcement personnel and community members are sensitized to the issues faced by mental health peers and to eliminate the fear, prejudice, stigma, and discrimination associated with being a mental health peer. 
  • Seeking Safety: MHCAN provides groups using Seeking Safety curricula. Seeking Safety is an evidence-based treatment that supports people with a history of trauma and substance misuse.
  • Transportation: MHCAN provides transportation to bring people to and from the center as well as transport people to county groups and appointments when needed.  Food is delivered offsite to members with mobility limitations Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • Employment Development: Vocational Training Program: MHCAN provides paid part-time positions for Mental Health peers. MHCAN offers volunteer opportunities to select peers and provide vocational support and appropriate accommodations to help individuals be successful in their employment.
  • Check Distribution/Financial Support: MHCAN provides check distribution Monday through Friday for people in the mental health system who are on Payeeship. Checks are distributed at the COUNTY Mental Health Lobby,1400 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz. MHCAN also provides peer support in assisting participants in learning how to use debit cards where needed.
  • MH Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (MAA): MHCAN’s staff are trained to identify, assess and coordinate healthcare needs and access to benefits, particularly Medi-Cal and Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  1. Linkage to health care services and benefits.
  2. Educate individuals about specialty mental health services available through the Medi-Cal program, including people experiencing homelessness.