Professional Counseling Services

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (“SMCSO”) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide comprehensive, confidential professional counseling services for sworn and professional (non-sworn) personnel. With more than 800 employees serving across patrol, custody, investigative, and administrative divisions, SMCSO personnel routinely encounter high-stress situations, critical incidents, and cumulative trauma associated with law enforcement and correctional work. The County seeks a qualified contractor to deliver responsive, culturally competent mental health services that support employee wellness, resilience, and operational readiness.

The Sheriff’s Office requires a counseling program that ensures timely access to confidential services for employees and, when appropriate and approved, their family members. Services must include short-term counseling, crisis and critical incident response, on-site and virtual clinical availability, departmental training on mental health and wellness topics, and participation in outreach efforts. The contractor must maintain strict confidentiality while coordinating administrative authorization processes for additional sessions and family services without compromising clinician–client privilege.

The anticipated start date for services is July 1, 2026, subject to successful contract negotiation. Through this partnership, SMCSO seeks to enhance workforce wellness, mitigate the impact of critical incidents, and sustain a healthy, resilient organization committed to serving the community.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (SMCSO) provides law enforcement, custody, and public safety services throughout San Mateo County, serving a diverse and dynamic population across urban, suburban, and coastal communities. With over 800 sworn and professional staff assigned to patrol operations, corrections, court security, investigations, and administrative functions, employees routinely perform duties that expose them to critical incidents, traumatic events, and sustained operational stress. These experiences may include officer-involved incidents, in-custody deaths, child abuse cases, violent crimes, natural disasters, and other high-impact events that can have both immediate and cumulative psychological effects.

The nature of public safety work presents unique cultural and operational challenges to seeking mental health support. Employees often work irregular schedules, extended shifts, and high-adrenaline assignments while maintaining public trust and operational readiness. Concerns about stigma, confidentiality, and career impact can create barriers to accessing services. For these reasons, SMCSO seeks a counseling provider with demonstrated expertise in working with law enforcement and correctional professionals, a strong understanding of public safety culture, and the ability to build trust across all ranks and classifications.