Los Angeles

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Mental Health Resources

Information on counseling services, therapy options, and mental health hotlines in the city.

Sections

1. Crisis Intervention Services

Crisis intervention services are designed for individuals experiencing immediate mental health crises, such as suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, or psychotic episodes.

Key Resources:

  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) 24/7 Help Line

    • Phone: 1-800-854-7771
    • Services: Crisis counseling, referrals, and mental health support.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Access: Call the hotline for immediate assistance. Available 24/7.

  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline (National)

    • Phone: 988 (or 1-800-273-TALK)
    • Services: Free, confidential support for individuals in distress.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Access: Call or text 988 for immediate help.

  • Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services โ€“ Suicide Prevention Center

    • Phone: 1-800-273-8255
    • Services: Crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and survivor support groups.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Access: Call the hotline or visit their website for resources.

  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

    • Phone: 1-866-488-7386
    • Text: Text "START" to 678678
    • Services: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Access: Call, text, or chat online.

2. Counseling and Therapy Services

Counseling and therapy services in Los Angeles range from free or low-cost options to private practices with licensed therapists.

Free or Low-Cost Options:

  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH)

    • Services: Individual, group, and family therapy for residents of Los Angeles County.
    • Cost: Sliding scale based on income; Medi-Cal accepted.
    • Access: Call the 24/7 Help Line (1-800-854-7771) or visit a local mental health clinic. A list of clinics is available on the LACDMH website.

  • The Maple Counseling Center

    • Services: Individual, couples, family, and group therapy.
    • Cost: Sliding scale fees based on income.
    • Access: Call 310-271-9999 or visit their website to schedule an intake appointment.

  • Open Paths Counseling Center

    • Services: Affordable therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
    • Cost: Sliding scale fees starting at $30 per session.
    • Access: Call 310-258-9677 or visit their website to apply for services.

  • UCLA Psychology Clinic

    • Services: Therapy provided by supervised graduate students.
    • Cost: Sliding scale fees starting at $20 per session.
    • Access: Call 310-825-2305 to schedule an intake.

Private Therapy Options:

  • Psychology Today Directory

    • Services: Search for licensed therapists in Los Angeles by specialty, insurance, and cost.
    • Cost: Varies; typically $100โ€“$250 per session.
    • Access: Visit the Psychology Today website and use the search tool.

  • BetterHelp and Talkspace (Online Therapy)

    • Services: Virtual therapy with licensed professionals.
    • Cost: $60โ€“$90 per week (subscription-based).
    • Access: Sign up online through their websites or apps.

3. Psychiatric Services (Medication Management)

Psychiatric services are available for individuals who may need medication to manage mental health conditions.

Key Resources:

  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH)

    • Services: Psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
    • Cost: Sliding scale; Medi-Cal accepted.
    • Access: Call the 24/7 Help Line or visit a local clinic.

  • Community Health Centers

    • Examples: Venice Family Clinic, Northeast Community Clinic.
    • Services: Psychiatric care and medication management.
    • Cost: Sliding scale; Medi-Cal and some private insurance accepted.
    • Access: Contact the clinic directly to schedule an appointment.

  • Private Psychiatrists

    • Cost: $200โ€“$500 per session (varies by provider).
    • Access: Use directories like Psychology Today or Zocdoc to find psychiatrists in Los Angeles.

4. Support Groups

Support groups provide a space for individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges.

Key Resources:

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Los Angeles

    • Services: Free support groups for individuals with mental health conditions and their families.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Access: Visit the NAMI Los Angeles website for schedules and locations.

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

    • Services: Peer-led support groups for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Access: Visit the AA or NA websites to find meetings in Los Angeles.

  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Los Angeles

    • Services: Peer-led support groups for individuals with mood disorders.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Access: Visit the DBSA website for meeting schedules.

5. Community-Specific Resources

Los Angeles is home to diverse communities, and there are mental health resources tailored to specific cultural, linguistic, and demographic needs.

LGBTQ+ Community:

  • Los Angeles LGBT Center
    • Services: Therapy, support groups, and psychiatric care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
    • Cost: Sliding scale; some services are free.
    • Access: Call 323-993-7500 or visit their website.

Latinx Community:

  • The Latino Behavioral Health Institute
    • Services: Culturally sensitive mental health services for the Latinx community.
    • Cost: Varies; some free resources available.
    • Access: Visit their website for more information.

Black Community:

  • The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) โ€“ Los Angeles Chapter
    • Services: Directory of Black therapists and culturally competent care.
    • Cost: Varies by provider.
    • Access: Visit the ABPsi website to find a therapist.

Asian American Community:

  • Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers (APCTC)
    • Services: Therapy and psychiatric care for Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
    • Cost: Sliding scale; Medi-Cal accepted.
    • Access: Call 213-252-2100 or visit their website.

Undocumented Individuals:

  • Immigrants Rising Mental Health Connector
    • Services: Free mental health support for undocumented individuals.
    • Cost: Free.
    • Access: Visit the Immigrants Rising website to request services.

6. Costs and Insurance

  • Free Services: Many crisis hotlines, support groups, and community-based programs are free.
  • Low-Cost Services: Sliding scale fees are common at community clinics and nonprofit organizations.
  • Insurance: Medi-Cal (Californiaโ€™s Medicaid program) covers many mental health services. Private insurance plans also cover therapy and psychiatric care, but copays and deductibles may apply.
  • Out-of-Pocket Costs: Private therapy and psychiatry can be expensive, but online platforms like BetterHelp offer more affordable options.

7. Procedures for Accessing Services

  1. Determine Your Needs: Identify whether you need crisis intervention, therapy, medication, or support groups.
  2. Check Eligibility: Some services require proof of residency, income verification, or insurance.
  3. Contact the Provider: Call or visit the providerโ€™s website to schedule an intake appointment.
  4. Prepare Documentation: Bring ID, insurance information, and proof of income (if applicable).
  5. Follow Up: Attend your appointments and communicate openly with your provider about your needs.

8. Local and Cultural Considerations

  • Diversity: Los Angeles is a multicultural city, and many providers offer services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, and Tagalog.
  • Stigma: While mental health stigma exists in some communities, Los Angeles has a growing culture of acceptance and advocacy for mental health care.
  • Traffic and Accessibility: Plan for travel time when attending in-person appointments, as traffic in Los Angeles can be significant.

By leveraging these resources, you can find the mental health support you need in Los Angeles. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!