Admissions and Referrals
Free, confidential assessments and referral information are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the Referral and Crisis Line and the API Assessment Services Department.
For additional information about our programs and services, or to schedule an appointment for a free assessment, please call 1 (800) 766-4272. A caring mental health professional is waiting to assist you.
The Assessment Process
One of API’s greatest strengths is ease of access. To begin the assessment process, please follow these simple steps:
1. Call 1 (800) 766-4274 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are usually available within 24 hours of your call or immediately in the event of a psychiatric emergency. Walk-in clients are accepted without an appointment.
2. An assessment services staff member will meet with you and complete an initial assessment and determine the level of care which is appropriate to your needs. If an emergent medical condition exists we may recommend clearance at an emergency room prior to admission.
3. Bring list of current medications or prescription bottles and current insurance cards.
4. The assessment services staff will assist in obtaining appropriate insurance authorizations and/or assist with financial arrangements. Referrals may also be provided.
5. The assessment services staff will explain their recommendations and provide details on the level of care to which you are being referred. They will respond to concerns you may have and also answer questions you may have about insurance or funding.
6. The assessment process takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Mobile Assessment Triage Team (MATT)
The API Mobile Assessment Triage Team (MATT) is a 24-hour Psychiatric Emergency team designed to efficiently assist hospital emergency rooms, nursing homes, residential care facilities and local mental health agencies in conducting needs assessments and assist with referrals.
The MATT may initiate Involuntary Psychiatric Holds (5150 WIC). API is designated by the San Diego County Department of Mental Health to evaluate and initiate Involuntary Psychiatric holds pursuant to the Welfare and Institution Code and the state Lanterman-Petris-Short Act.
The Mobile Assessment Team is accessed 24 hours a day via the API Referral and Crisis Line at 1 (800) 766-4274.