Accessing Mental Health Services through the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and wellbeing that often goes overlooked. For many individuals, accessing mental health services can feel daunting and overwhelming. However, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) is dedicated to making mental health services accessible for all residents of Los Angeles County. In this article, we will provide an overview of how to access mental health services through LACDMH.
Understanding LACDMH
LACDMH is one of the largest mental health departments in the United States, serving over 250,000 individuals per year. The department is responsible for providing mental health services to residents of Los Angeles County who are low-income, uninsured or underinsured, and those with severe mental illness. LACDMH offers a wide variety of mental health services, including crisis intervention, therapy, medication management, and more.
Getting Started
To access mental health services through LACDMH, the first step is to call the ACCESS Center at (800) 854-7771. The ACCESS Center is a 24/7 helpline that provides individuals with information about mental health services, as well as assessment and referral services. The helpline is staffed by trained professionals who can help you determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
During your call to the ACCESS Center, you will be asked a series of questions to assess your needs. This assessment will help determine the appropriate level of care and services for you. Based on your assessment, you will be referred to either a community mental health center or a mental health provider in the community.
Community Mental Health Centers
LACDMH operates over 80 community mental health centers throughout Los Angeles County. These centers provide a wide range of mental health services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, medication management, case management, and more. Community mental health centers are staffed by licensed mental health professionals who provide care to individuals of all ages.
Individual Providers
LACDMH also partners with individual mental health providers and clinics throughout Los Angeles County. These providers offer a variety of mental health services, including medication management, therapy, and more. Individual providers are typically private practitioners who are contracted with LACDMH to provide services to low-income and uninsured individuals.
Paying for Services
One of the biggest barriers to accessing mental health services is the cost. However, LACDMH offers services on a sliding scale based on income, making mental health services affordable for everyone. In addition, many individuals may qualify for Medi-Cal, a state-run health insurance program that covers mental health services.
Conclusion
Accessing mental health services can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial for our overall health and wellbeing. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is dedicated to making mental health services accessible for all residents of Los Angeles County. By calling the ACCESS Center, individuals can get the help they need to start their journey towards better mental health. With over 80 community mental health centers and partnerships with individual providers throughout the county, LACDMH offers a wide range of mental health services to meet individual needs.
