LA County SASH Hotline — Everything You Need to Know
The Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH) at 1-844-804-7500 is LA County's official gateway to publicly funded addiction treatment. Here is everything you need to know before you call.
Available 24/7 — English & Spanish
Key Facts: SASH Hotline
- Phone number: 1-844-804-7500 (toll-free)
- Operated by: LA County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC)
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Languages: English and Spanish, with additional language access through interpreter services
- Cost: Free — no insurance required, though Medi-Cal is accepted for treatment referrals
- Coverage area: Los Angeles County residents
- Purpose: Screening, assessment, and referral to publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs
- SASH is the official entry point to the LA County substance abuse treatment network
What Is the SASH Hotline?
SASH stands for Substance Abuse Service Helpline. It is the official hotline operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health through its Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) division. The line was created to serve as a single point of access for anyone in LA County seeking substance abuse treatment through the county's publicly funded treatment network.
Unlike general crisis lines or national helplines, SASH is specifically designed to connect callers with treatment programs that are funded by LA County and the State of California. This means the programs you are referred to through SASH are either free or covered by Medi-Cal, making it an essential resource for uninsured and low-income residents.
The SAPC division oversees a network of over 150 treatment providers across Los Angeles County. When you call SASH, you are accessing this entire network through a single phone call. The operator will screen your situation and match you with the most appropriate program based on your substance use, location, language needs, and any co-occurring conditions.
Who Runs the SASH Hotline?
The SASH hotline is operated by the LA County Department of Public Health's Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) division. SAPC is the county agency responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing publicly funded substance abuse prevention and treatment services throughout Los Angeles County.
SAPC manages contracts with community-based treatment providers, sets standards for care, and monitors program quality. The agency serves as the bridge between state and federal funding and the local treatment centers that deliver services on the ground. When you call SASH, you are connecting with this county-run system — not a private company or for-profit referral service.
This distinction matters because SAPC-funded programs are held to specific standards and are regularly monitored for quality and compliance. The programs you are referred to through SASH have been vetted by the county and are part of an accountable treatment network.
What Does SASH Cover?
SASH can connect you with a wide range of substance abuse treatment services through the LA County network. These services include:
Outpatient Treatment
Regular counseling sessions that allow you to continue living at home and, in many cases, working while receiving treatment. Programs range from a few hours per week to intensive outpatient schedules.
Residential Treatment
Live-in programs where you stay at the facility for a period of weeks or months. These programs provide 24-hour support, structured routines, individual and group therapy, and life skills training.
Detoxification Services
Medically supervised withdrawal management for people who need to safely stop using substances before beginning treatment. Detox programs monitor vital signs and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Programs that combine FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT is particularly effective for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
Perinatal Programs
Specialized treatment for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders. These programs provide prenatal care coordination alongside addiction treatment.
Youth and Adolescent Services
Age-appropriate treatment programs designed for teens and young adults. These programs address the unique developmental needs of younger individuals with substance use issues.
What to Expect When You Call SASH
Calling the SASH hotline follows a structured but supportive process. Here is what typically happens:
Initial Contact
A trained operator answers your call and asks about your situation. You can describe what is going on in your own words. The operator will be patient and nonjudgmental.
Screening and Assessment
The operator conducts a brief screening to understand your substance use history, current situation, and treatment needs. They will ask about the substances involved, how long you have been using, and whether you have any medical or mental health conditions that need to be addressed alongside addiction treatment.
Program Matching
Based on your screening results, the operator identifies appropriate treatment programs within the SAPC network. They consider your location in LA County, language preferences, gender-specific needs, and the level of care required — from outpatient counseling to residential treatment.
Referral and Connection
The operator provides you with a referral to a specific treatment provider. In many cases, they can connect you directly or help you schedule an intake appointment. If the program you are referred to has a waitlist, the operator will offer alternatives or add you to the waitlist and provide interim support options.
Language Access
The SASH hotline provides direct service in English and Spanish. For callers who speak other languages, SASH uses interpreter services to ensure that language is not a barrier to accessing treatment. Los Angeles County is one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the country, and the SAPC treatment network includes providers who offer services in multiple languages including Armenian, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, and others.
When you call SASH, let the operator know your language preference. If you need service in a language other than English or Spanish, they will connect you with an interpreter or refer you to a program that provides services in your language.
How SASH Differs from Other Hotlines
SASH occupies a unique position in the LA hotline landscape. Understanding how it differs from other numbers can help you decide which one is right for your situation.
SASH vs 988
988 is a mental health crisis line focused on suicide prevention and emotional distress. SASH is specifically for substance abuse treatment access. If you are in a mental health crisis, call 988. If you need addiction treatment in LA County, call SASH.
SASH vs 211
211 is a broad social services referral line covering housing, food, healthcare, and more. SASH is narrowly focused on substance abuse treatment. While 211 can point you in the right direction, SASH can actually screen you and place you directly into a county-funded treatment program.
SASH vs SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357)
SAMHSA's national helpline covers all 50 states and provides general treatment referrals. SASH is specific to LA County and provides direct access to the county's own treatment network. If you are an LA County resident, SASH will likely connect you with more relevant, local options.
SASH vs (213) 277-7446
The Los Angeles Addiction Hotline at (213) 277-7446 provides personalized treatment matching including private pay, insurance-based, and publicly funded options. SASH focuses specifically on the county's publicly funded programs. If you have private insurance or want to explore all options, calling (213) 277-7446 may give you a broader range of choices.
Who Should Call SASH?
The SASH hotline is designed for LA County residents who need substance abuse treatment and may benefit from publicly funded programs. You should consider calling SASH if:
- -- You have Medi-Cal and want to use it for addiction treatment
- -- You are uninsured and cannot afford private treatment
- -- You want access to LA County's network of over 150 treatment providers
- -- You need treatment in a specific language
- -- You are pregnant or parenting and need specialized addiction treatment
- -- You are a young person or have a teen who needs treatment
- -- You were recently released from jail or prison and need treatment
If you are unsure whether SASH is the right call for your situation, you can also call (213) 277-7446 and the operator will help you determine the best next step — whether that is SASH, a private program, or another resource.
Related Resources
Need Help Beyond SASH?
Call the Los Angeles Addiction Hotline for personalized treatment matching — including private, insurance-based, and publicly funded options.
Call (213) 277-7446