Mental Health Association of San Francisco announces sweeping layoffs

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF) is cutting nearly 200 jobs, according to a state filing with the Employment Development Department. The department announced plans to lay off 198 people Wednesday.

The layoffs, which are described as permanent, are set to take place on Sept. 15.

The MHASF’s mission, according to its website, is to “cultivate peer leadership, build community, and advance social justice in mental health.” According to its LinkedIn page, the department has between 51 and 200 employees.

On its website, the MHASF announced that due to budget constraints, it would be working to cut costs, including reducing staff hours, in connection to its California peer-run warm line service. The warm line provides 24/7 access by phone or text to mental health counselors to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including “anxiety, depression, and substance use,” the MHASF website states.

The MHASF has been in existence for 75 years, according to information on its website.

KRON4.com is reaching out to MHASF and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s office for more information.