California has launched the first statewide mental health line.

The California Peer-Run Warm Line offers free non-emergency emotional support and referrals via phone or instant messaging.

The toll-free phone number is 1-855-845-7415.

It will initially be staffed Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

State officials say the call center will ramp up to 24/7 service by the end of the year and they expect about 25,000 calls a year.

People who call the warm line will receive support from someone who has gone through similar mental health challenges. The warm line differs from a hotline because it aims to serve people who are not quite at crisis stage but still need emotional assistance.

It is being funded by a state budget allocation of $10.8 million over three years.

