Pathways Program

The Pathways Program is a collaborative court program that was established in 2006 and is a collaborative effort among different departments including the  San Mateo County Superior Court, Probation Department, District Attorney’s Office, Private Defender Program, Sheriff's Office, Correctional Health, and Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS).

The goal of the Pathways Program is to reduce incarceration for seriously mentally ill individuals who have significant impairments and help them to live more successfully in the community. Applicants who are eligible are admitted after they enter a guilty or no contest plea, but prior to sentencing on their charges.

Program eligibility criteria include:

  • Statutorily eligibility for probation
  • Resident of San Mateo County
  • Diagnosis of a serious mental illness that is not substance induced and significantly impairs their ability to function
  • Voluntary agreement to participate in the program, including specific program conditions

Program benefits include:

  • Case management services (including assistance linking clients to health care)
  • Probation supervision services
  • Housing plan and supportive services
  • Employment, education and/or community services support
  • Dual diagnosis treatment and recovery support
  • Psycho-educational/recovery services
  • Peer support/mentoring services
  • Family support services
  • Pro-social activities and events
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I refer myself or someone to Pathways?

If you would like to make a referral you can complete a Pathways referral form and mail it to:

San Mateo County Probation
ATTN: Pathways
400 County Center, 5th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063.  

You may also send the form via facsimile to (650) 363-4829 ATTN: Pathways. 
You can also call (650)363-4244 and ask to speak with someone in the Pathways Unit.

If you have questions about a court case, contact the San Mateo County Courts.
If you want to know which Deputy Probation Officer is assigned to your case, call (650) 363-4244.

 
Additional Resources
Psychiatric Emergency Services 650-573-2662
Suicide Prevention 800-784-2433
StarVista 24-hour Crisis Line 650-579-0350
StarVista 24-hour Alcohol & Drug Helpline 650-573-3950
StarVista 24-hour Parent Support Line 650-579-0358
ACCESS/Dual Diagnosis Tram 800-686-0101
Consumer Self Help Program 650-343-8760
Patient's Rights Advocates 800-497-1889
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 650-638-0800
California State Department of Mental Health 916-322-7445
Community Information Program cip.plsinfo.org
Disabilities Benefits 101 www.db101.org
Network of Care sanmateo.networkofcare.org
Disability Rights California www.disabilityrightsca.org
United Advocates for Children and Families www.uacf4hope.org