Department of Behavioral Wellness

COVID-19 Information 

How to Protect Yourself

To assure the safety for staff and clients, we continue to ask that all staff follow the guidelines noted below:

1.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If you only have cold water, wash more vigorously and for a longer period of time.
2.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
3.  Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
4.  Practice social distancing by keeping 6 feet apart from individuals.

If You Think you are Sick

Any staff feeling sick, caring for someone feeling sick or who have childcare needs given school closures should immediately contact their supervisor for direction.

Useful Resources

• COVID-19 Telework Policy and Agreement
  
• Tips for Social Distancing, SAMHSA

  
  

  Help @ Hand:  Resource Guide for Social Connectedness
  

  NAMI:  COVID-19 Resource Guide

  From the American Psychiatric Association:  Coronavirus and Mental Health: Taking Care of Ourselves During Infectious Disease Outbreaks.

  From the World Health Organization, a one page infographic:  Coping with Stress During the 2019-nCoV Outbreak

  From the Wall Street Journal:  How to Manage Your Coronavirus Anxiety

  From UC San Francisco:  Feeling Anxiety About Coronavirus? A Psychologist Offers Tips to Stay Clearheaded

  From the National Association of School Psychologists:  Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource

  California Department of Public Health

  Santa Barbara County Public Health Department

  • Recorded information line: 805-681-4373
    
  • Santa Barbara Public Health Department 
  • Santa Barbara Public Health Department FAQs
    
    

  US Centers for Disease Control 

  • Centers for Disease & Prevention FAQs
    
  • Managing Anxiety and Stress, CDC
  • Share the Facts about COVID-19

  Mental Health America

  • Living With Mental Illness During COVID-19 Outbreak– Preparing For Your Wellness
    

  
  

  Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress

  • Fact Sheet:  Taking Care of Your Family During Coronavirus and Other Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks
  • Fact Sheet:  Sustaining the Well-Being of Healthcare Personnel during Coronavirus and other Infectious Disease Outbreaks
  • Fact Sheet:  Caring for Patients' Mental Well-Being During Coronavirus and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases: A Guide for Clinicians

Mixteco

• COVID-19!
• Lavarse las manos
• Distancia Social
• Quédate en Casa
• Explicando el COVID-19

Press Releases

11-6-20 Senior Holiday Bridge Phone Program

10-20-20 Coping with Election Stress

04-09-20 Mailing Harm Reduction Supplies During a Health Emergency 

03-30-20 COVID-19 Guidance for People Who Use Drugs and Harm Reduction Programs

03-24-20 COVID-19: Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders (English) (Spanish)

03-23-20 The CWT is Here for You

03-18-20 Sobering Center Closure

03-13-20 Psychological Impact of COVID-19

03-13-20 Strategies for Self-Care with Social Isolation