The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Countywide Benefits Entitlement Services Team (DMH-CBEST) Program was implemented with the expansion of services under Measure A Homeless Initiative funding. The Program is part of an interdepartmental program involving several county departments including Department of Mental Health (LACDMH), Department of Health Services (DHS), Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD), along with other entities including legal organizations. DMH-CBEST is an interrelated partner program with the Countywide Benefits Entitlement Services Team (CBEST) that helps clients apply for Social Security and other disability benefits such as:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
DHS-CBEST Scope of Services
- Connect clients to case management and housing resources
- Gather health records (physical & mental) and outline medical history
- Finish and turn in disability benefits applications
- Full scope legal services for appeals and post-award suspensions and terminations
DMH-CBEST Services:
- Consultation, Collaboration, Training: Provided by psychiatric social workers to help directly operated mental health clinics and other LACDMH programs in Service Areas throughout Los Angeles County. DMH-CBEST clinicians function as liaisons and consult with CBEST partners and LACDMH providers.
- Psychological Testing: Performed by a LACDMH licensed clinical psychologist who conducts clinical interviews and administers psychological testing to identify mental health impairments and functional limitations that may prevent employment.
Who is Eligible for Services:
- Low income LA County residents (US citizens or documented/qualified immigrants) experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness who are either:
- Blind
- Disabled (physically/mentally)
- Elderly (65 years and older)
How to Connect with CBEST Services:
- You can directly call DHS-CBEST at (323) 274-3777 and leave a message to ask for an in-person, phone or virtual (on-line) visit with a DHS-CBEST staff benefit specialist.
- If you are an organization, such as a LACDMH provider*, you can email a CBEST Referral Form to cbestreferral@dhs.lacounty.gov or fax at (323) 389-4322.
- *LACDMH providers ONLY: email is preferable- please also cc your Service Area DMH-CBEST liaison. If you have any general questions regarding CBEST, you may also email DMH-CBEST@dmh.lacounty.gov or call at (213) 639-6777.
Funded by: The Los Angeles County Homeless Initiative and Measure A