Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started:
FSA’s services are available to anyone who lives in Santa Barbara County. We serve people from 0 to 109 years old, from Santa Maria to Carpenteria, and of all backgrounds and diversities.
Most of FSA’s services are offered free of charge and some are available on a sliding-fee basis. No one is turned away because of inability to pay.
Start by calling our direct line at (805) 842-5148. You’ll connect with a real person who will help you find the services that are right for you.
Yes, you’ll need an appointment. Call our direct line at (805) 842-5148 to reach a real person and schedule at a time that works for you.
What We Offer:
FSA provides basic needs support; connection with resources in healthcare, housing, and education; mental health services for children, families, individuals, and older adults; senior advocacy and support for older adults and caregivers; and educational programs that develop parenting, relationships, and youth mental health skills.
Our approach is holistic, and Case Management and Enhanced Case Management (ECM) are a part of how we deliver services to families, youth, and older adults.
We believe that everyone who lives in Santa Barbara County deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, flourishing life and feel a deep sense of their own worth and belonging.
Cash Assistance: No, FSA does not typically provide cash assistance. An FSA Navigator can help you connect with local resources that offer cash aid and other emergency resources that you may qualify for.
Food: Yes. In partnership with Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, we offer a monthly food distribution at our Little House by the Park South location. Visit TK for more information.
If you need help accessing affordable food, an FSA Navigator can help you apply for CalFresh benefits and locate other food resources in the community.
Housing: While we do not provide housing services directly, a Navigator can help you find and apply for affordable housing.
Medical Care: We do not provide medical care, apart from licensed therapy services. However, an FSA Navigator can help you connect with insurance and local medical services.
Therapy: Yes, we provide licensed therapy services to people and families of all ages throughout the county, from children to older adults.
We do not provide crisis mental health services. If you or someone you know are experiencing an emergency, call 911.
If life is feeling difficult and you know you need a helping hand but don’t know where to start, call our direct line at (805) 842-5148. You will reach a real person who can help.
Eligibility and Process:
Many of our programs and services are available right away. Connecting with a Navigator by calling (805) 842-5148 is the easiest way to schedule an appointment, learn about class schedules, and find out more.
Yes, FSA Navigators are experts at providing help with many kinds of applications, including CalFresh, MediCal, Medicare, housing applications, and more.
Practical Concerns:
No, all of our services are offered in both English and Spanish, and some services are also available in Mixteco.
Yes, FSA accepts Medi-Cal (also called CenCal in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties) and Medicare for qualifying services.
Yes, you can receive services even if you don’t have insurance. Our services are offered free or on a sliding scale basis, and no one is turned away for inability to pay.
An FSA Navigator can also help you apply for insurance that you may qualify for.
We understand how frustrating it can feel to be turned away. Call (805) 842-5148 to connect with a real person who can help assess what services you may need and qualify for.
Whether through our own services or through our strong partnerships with other organizations across Santa Barbara County, we believe we can help you find the right assistance for you.
Contact and Access:
Call our central phone line at (805) 842-5148 to begin. You’ll connect with a real person who can help.
To get started, call our central phone line, which is staffed 8:30am -5:00pm, Monday-Friday.
Our hours can vary by location and service. Some programs and classes are offered after normal business hours, and some programs offer extended hours to accommodate your needs.
Many of our services are offered online as well as in-person.
In addition, some programs, like Senior Services and Parent Education, include services that offer support at home or at a community location.
Our school-based services are offered on campuses at seven different school districts throughout the County.