Welcome to LACDMH’s Quarterly Stakeholder Newsletter
The Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Solidarity and Empowerment (ARISE) Division, and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, are excited to bring back the Quarterly Stakeholder newsletter, designed specifically for you — our stakeholders, partners, and most importantly, individuals with lived experience. Whether you identify as a mental health consumer, advocate, peer supporter, or ally, this space belongs to you. The Newsletter will be a platform for your stories, experiences, and voices to be heard, valued, and shared. We hope that you enjoy the launch issue and look forward to receiving and sharing your original content starting in 2025!
To read the newsletter, click on the cover image or follow this link.
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Spotlight on NAMI Urban L.A. and CARE Court Collaboration
CARE Court exemplifies the ongoing advancements in mental health services within Los Angeles County. Funded by the State of California, this program fosters systemic change through partnerships with government agencies and community organizations. Harold Turner, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Urban Los Angeles, shares insights into his organization’s pivotal role in supporting CARE Court participants.
Founded over 40 years ago, NAMI has grown into a nationwide network of 600 chapters dedicated to education and support for families affected by mental illness. In collaboration with CARE Court, NAMI Urban L.A. helps families navigate the legal and mental health systems to create effective recovery plans. Drawing from his personal experience as the father of a child with mental illness and his decades of advocacy, Turner brings invaluable expertise to this initiative. His contributions include serving on the State of California CARE Act Workgroup, the LACDMH Commission, and leading NAMI Urban L.A.
Turner and his team accompany families to court, providing guidance and advocacy to ensure recovery and empowerment for CARE Court participants. LACDMH values the collaboration with Mr. Turner and his organization working together to foster recovery for those living with mental illness.
To contact NAMI Urban L.A., visit namiurbanla.org, call (323) 294-7814, or write: 4305 Degnan Blvd., Suite 104, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
Farsi & Russian/Ukrainian Book Signing
The Eastern European/Middle Eastern (EE/ME) Underserved Cultural Communities (UsCC) subcommittee was established under the Mental Health Services Act to improve mental health access and reduce disparities for the EE/ME community in Los Angeles County. The subcommittee collaborates with community partners and consumers to enhance the public mental health system’s capacity to provide culturally competent, recovery-oriented services and projects.
For Fiscal Year 2022–2023, the EE/ME Subcommittee voted to implement the Sharing Our Stories Book Project: Immigrant Journeys Towards Mental and Emotional Well-being for Russian and Farsi-speaking communities. LACDMH contracted Mastaneh Moghadam from Cross Cultural Expressions (CCE) to develop and produce two coffee table books — one for the Russian/Ukrainian community and one for the Farsi-speaking community. Each story was translated into English to reach a broader audience.
The books feature short stories from 15–20 Russian and Farsi-speaking immigrants, highlighting their mental health, emotional, and social challenges as immigrants in the U.S. Each book also includes editorials with educational information about mental health issues and available resources. Contributing writers participated in art therapy sessions to explore their feelings and create artwork for inclusion in the books.
The project aimed to foster dialogue about mental health, normalize the struggles faced by Russian and Farsi-speaking immigrants, and provide education and resources. Additionally, it sought to reduce stigma and promote mental health services in a culturally engaging way. Dr. Anna Yaralyan, EE/ME Subcommittee Liaison, wrote the Statement of Work (SOW) and supported the vendor throughout the project.
The project spanned approximately one year, encompassing story collection, translation, editing, publishing, and promotion. After publication, book signing events were held at the Beverly Hills Public Library for both communities.
The events were well attended, with positive feedback from community members who expressed gratitude for the project. Comments included:
- “This book made me realize I am not alone.”
- “I learned so much about myself and my community.”
- “The artwork is incredible; I can’t believe these contributors weren’t professional artists.”
- “This book is important for Russian and Ukrainian people — it helps heal wounds and brings us together.”
- “Where can I find art therapy services?”
- “I have grief and trauma from the war in Ukraine — how can I get help?”
- “The book showed me how much Iranians of all religions and backgrounds have in common.”
The Our Immigrant Stories series was highly regarded by both target communities. Attendees recommended publishing a second volume and securing additional funding to print more copies for wider distribution. The project vendor also suggested creating similar books for other immigrant communities in Los Angeles County.
Overall, the project was a success, empowering Russian and Farsi-speaking immigrants to share their stories and artwork, fostering community healing and learning on multiple levels. A total of 1,000 books were distributed free of charge, with digital copies available for ongoing access.
Links to the books:
Veteran and Military Family Services (VMFS): Expanding Mental Health Support for Those Who Serve
LACDMH has launched the Veteran and Military Family Services (VMFS) program to enhance mental health care for veterans and their families in Los Angeles County. Led by Dr. Rhonda Higgins, alongside Program Managers Anh Tran and Nancy Pelayo, VMFS builds on LACDMH’s veteran-focused legacy with a commitment to comprehensive, accessible support.
Why VMFS?
Veterans often face barriers when seeking mental health care due to cultural stigmas and systemic gaps. “Veterans engage better with peers who understand their unique experiences,” explains Dr. Higgins. VMFS’s peer-driven approach fosters trust, encouraging veterans to seek support for housing, employment, education, and trauma-related needs.
Key motivations for the program include:
- Cultural Challenges: Veterans often avoid discussing mental health due to perceptions of weakness.
- Unmet Needs: Studies reveal high levels of isolation, depression, and trauma among veterans.
- Improved Access: VMFS bridges gaps by offering a “mental health hug,” providing wraparound care that includes therapy, case management, and housing support.
What’s New?
- Expanded Reach: VMFS operates in all eight service planning areas (SPAs), increasing access in high-risk and underserved communities.
- In-House Mental Health Care: Veterans can now receive therapy, case management, and soon, psychiatric services, without external referrals.
- Streamlined Support Line: Veterans calling LACDMH’s helpline can now directly access mental health resources or benefits navigation with a single call.
Affordable, Accessible Care
VMFS primarily serves low-income veterans and their families, with most services covered by VA health care, Medicare, Medicaid, or Medi-Cal. For those without coverage, financial assistance or sliding-scale payment options are available.
Looking Ahead
VMFS is committed to meeting veterans where they are, providing field-based services and building new physical locations. “We go wherever the veteran is,” says Pelayo.
Our Mission
“Veterans served our country. It’s our turn to serve them,” affirms Pelayo.
For more information or to access services, contact LACDMH’s Veteran Support Line (1-800-854-7771) and select option *3.
Mental Health on the Frontlines Podcast Wraps Up Episode 8
Click here to read about episodes one and two.
Episodes Three and Four:
In the third episode of our podcast, Mental Health on the Frontlines, we visit another Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) Peer Resource Center (PRC) in south Los Angeles, located on the Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital (MLK) campus in South Los Angeles. On the ground floor of a welcoming building, the center offers a variety of mental health services designed to support the community.
Roslynn Adolphus, Supervising Community Health Worker, shares insights into the diverse range of activities and support to anyone who walks through the door—whether through art classes, parenting groups, and special attention for youth between 18-25. Located at the intersection of Watts and Compton, neighborhoods facing tough socio-economic challenges, the PRC’s staff, like Roslynn, are dedicated to meeting people wherever they are, providing hope and connection. The center serves as a model for strengthening communities through compassionate care in troubling times.
In the final episode of our special series on Peer Resource Centers at LACDMH, we meet Jaime Gomez, Supervising Community Health Worker, who relishes that his programming specializes in reaching out into neighborhoods on the Eastside. Rather than working out of a single building, Jaime’s team takes a mobile approach, using parks, libraries and schools to reach individuals, families, and seniors who might not seek help at traditional offices for mental health services. Jaime explains how their work brings mental health services to people, normalizing emotional challenges and showing that seeking support is part of the human experience. His team’s efforts help break the stigma around mental illness and open doors to healing. One of their signature initiatives, Coffee With A Side of Healing, blends casual conversation with professional support, creating a relaxed way for people to engage with mental health services.
Episodes Five and Six: Highlights CARE Court
Los Angeles continues to grapple with the challenge of addressing mental illness before it becomes severe. This issue, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into a national crisis. In Los Angeles, it is not uncommon for individuals experiencing psychotic disorders to appear in court after breaking the law. In response, a groundbreaking program, CARE Court (Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment), was launched in December 2023.
This innovative approach focuses on providing services rather than punishment to individuals in need. CARE Court offers eligible participants a voluntary program designed to surround them with comprehensive support. This effort involves collaboration between the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, the Department of Public Health, Public Defenders/Independent Defense Counsel offices, and various community agencies.
In these episodes, Superior Court Judge Scott R. Herin and Judge Rene Gilbertson, the presiding judges of CARE Court, discuss the program’s goals to promote wellbeing and empowerment. They explain how individuals can qualify through a court petition and how recovery plans are tailored, navigated, and monitored. CARE Court, still in its early stages, holds promise for giving those with mental illness the opportunity to thrive within their communities.
Episode #7: Inspiring Change Through CARE Court
In our ongoing podcast series, Commentaries from the Edge, we explore CARE (Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment) Court, a groundbreaking judicial initiative designed to foster healing and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from untreated mental illness. Far from a place of punishment, CARE Court represents a partnership for change, driven by LACDMH.
This episode features two dedicated professionals at the forefront of this transformative program: Dr. Nilsa Gallardo, Program Manager, and Felipe Andalon, Mental Health Case Worker. Together, they share inspiring stories of lives turned around through CARE Court’s innovative approach. Dr. Gallardo, the Administrator overseeing LACDMH’s involvement, and Andalon, who works tirelessly to build trust and hope with each client, exemplify the commitment and expertise that make CARE Court a powerful agent of change.
Episode #8: Celebrating Success and Collaboration
In the concluding episode of our series on CARE Court, we are joined by Dr. Sarah Church, Supervising Psychologist at LACDMH. Dr. Church shares compelling stories of individuals who have begun to rebuild their lives through CARE Court’s support. She explains how the program’s success hinges on partnerships with various government agencies and community organizations, including Public Health and the Public Defenders’ offices.
Dr. Church plays a vital role as a liaison between these collaborators and her team on the frontlines, ensuring individuals receive the care they need to enter a continuum of recovery and hope. She also outlines the process for filing a petition for someone with mental illness, emphasizing the importance of the Presiding Judge’s review as the first step in accessing CARE Court services.
Join us in celebrating the transformative impact of CARE Court and the stories of hope it inspires. Launched in Dec. 2023, CARE Court aims to provide coordinated services and new insights for those with serious psychotic disorders. For more information on CARE Court and how to petition for someone in need, visit LACourt.org/CARE.
Click here to listen to Commentaries from the Edge on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
LACDMH Celebrates Grand Openings of 150 Units Across County
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) celebrated the grand opening of two supportive housing complexes in Venice and Torrance. The Journey Apartments in Venice has 40 apartments while the PATH West Carson Villas Apartment Complex in Torrance has 111 units, including one-, two- and three-bedroom options.
Dr. Curley L. Bonds, LACDMH’s Chief Medical Officer, spoke alongside L.A. County Third District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and others at the Dec. 4 event. The project was developed and managed by the Venice Community Housing Corporation and features a plaza and a courtyard for residents.
The event’s highlight was Rebecca Rocha, a Journey Apartments tenant. Rocha spoke about her time being unhoused on the Westside, where she was embedded in a homeless community behind a local Whole Foods. She eventually found her way into a shelter, then into Journey Apartments.
At the Dec. 13 event in Torrance, Theion Perkins, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N., Senior Deputy Director of LACDMH’s Outpatient Care Services Division, spoke alongside L.A. County Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, L.A. County Assessor Jeff Prang and others.
The four-story permanent supportive housing community developed by PATH Ventures serves low-income and special needs individuals and families. The nearly 1.5-acre community was built on the site of a vacant grocery store and auto repair shop and features a common room, wellness space and a second-floor outdoor area. It’s also located less than a mile from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Top photo: ribbon cutting at the Journey Apartments in Venice; above: ribbon cutting at PATH Ventures in South Bay.
Hollywood 2.0 Updates Public & Stakeholders at Open House
LACDMH and Hollywood 4WRD hosted a Hollywood 2.0 open house at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood on Nov. 19 to update stakeholders and the public on the latest news from the five-year pilot project. The event featured remarks from LACDMH Chief Medical Officer Curley L. Bonds, M.D.; Hollywood 4WRD Executive Director Brittney Weissman; and more.
LACDMH and the program’s stakeholders celebrated the accomplishments of the 2.0 program, including the 1,608 clients served by the Hollywood Mental Health Cooperative and the 34 clients moved from interim to permanent supportive housing. Karla Bennett, a LACDMH Mental Health Program Manager II at the Hollywood Wellness Center, discussed the status of the community-based program through 2024 and shared what to look out for in the first half of 2025.
Next, DMH’s Hollywood Mental Health Clinic shared how it is supporting the new vision for Hollywood. The clinic invited a client of theirs to speak, Gabriela, who shared her story as a transgender woman. Speaking clinic staff included Dr. Rebecca Gitlin, Supervising Psychologist; Nvard Simonyan, Psychiatric Social Worker II; Vianney Vazquez, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor; Laura Grello, Mental Health Clinical Supervisor; and, Vanessa Linares, an Intermediate Typist Clerk.
The program wrapped up with Brian Pelsoh from IDEO and Stephanie Holliday from RAND. Pelsoh and IDEO are leading the public education campaign for Hollywood 2.0, and he shared the designs that will be posted around Hollywood, starting Jan. 6, 2025. Holliday shared how RAND is evaluating the implementation of the pilot program.
A Message from ARISE Staff Council: Land Acknowledgement
You settle into your hotel room, turn on the TV, and see the hotel’s homepage display a land acknowledgment. As you explore the city, you notice land acknowledgments at museums and local businesses, and contemporary Indigenous art and exhibits are everywhere. It happens to be National Reconciliation Week. At your next destination, just a short plane ride away, Indigenous art and language are prominently featured in public signage and on TV. You feel awe, peace, and hope — this is not a dream. This is present-day Sydney, Australia, and New Zealand. These societies are deeply engaged in land acknowledgment and much more. Suddenly, L.A. County’s recent adoption of a land acknowledgment feels like a tangible first step on the path to healing and reconciliation, and LACDMH is well-positioned to lead the way.
On November 1, 2022, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a Land Acknowledgment for the County. You may have heard it at County events, or most recently from Director Dr. Lisa H. Wong at our last LACDMH Town Hall meeting. You may be wondering: Why should I care?
At its core, the Countywide Land Acknowledgment centers the First Peoples by honoring their strength, resilience, and ongoing contributions to Los Angeles County. It emphasizes that they are still here and remain connected to their ancestral lands. Land acknowledgments can create space for truth-telling and pave the way for action and healing — if we let them.
During a nine-month engagement process, local tribes helped shape the acknowledgment and contributed to a report titled We Are Still Here: A Report on Past, Present, and Ongoing Harms Against Local Tribes (known as the Harms Report). This report reflects their thoughts, needs, and recommendations for how L.A. County can begin to address past wrongs, restore relationships with the land and people, and dismantle systemic barriers.
Building on these efforts, the Countywide Land Acknowledgment Implementation Guide offers practical advice on delivering acknowledgments and, more importantly, guidance on moving beyond words. While LACDMH operates the American Indian Counseling Center, there is much more we can do to improve the mental health outcomes of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities — outcomes deeply impacted by settler colonialism and the disruption of traditional healing systems. By engaging with AIAN staff and consumers, we have the chance to make meaningful, systemic commitments to Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Solidarity, and Empowerment.
How will you commit to learning and taking action?
Submitted by Dr. Andrea N. Garcia, co-chair of DMH’s Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Solidarity and Empowerment (ARISE) Staff Advisory Council.
Veteran Peer Access Network Becomes Veteran & Military Family Services: New Name, Same Mission
On Oct. 1, the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) contract will officially move from the Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (MVA). Veteran & Military Family Services (VMFS) will provide direct mental health services to vets and military families while continuing to connect them with services.
The contract, administered by Southern California Grantmakers, provides oversight to Community Based Organizations (CBO) operating VPAN offices in the field. Those CBOs are currently JVS (Supervisorial Districts 1 & 5), Veterans West (SD 2 & 4), and Goodwill SoCal (SD 3).
DMH staff currently operating as part of VPAN will be reorganized under the new VMFS which will be based on Los Angeles County Service Planning Areas (SPA) versus the SD model upon which VPAN operates.
“DMH and MVA are working closely together to ensure a successful transition as smoothly as possible,” said Dr. Rhonda Higgins, current VPAN Program Director, who will serve in the same capacity for VMFS.
While some staff will remain at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in downtown Los Angeles, others will be relocated to various locations across the eight SPAs. Three locations have already been identified at “Old Edelman” in Culver City, the Behavioral Health Center at the MLK campus in Compton and a new location in Long Beach.
“We’ll continue to provide world-class mental health services using the peer-to-peer model for vets regardless of discharge status,” explained VPAN Program Managers Anh Tran and Nancy Pelayo, both of whom will also continue serving in that capacity for VMFS. “At the same time, we’re embracing the ARDI [Anti-Racism Diversity Inclusion] approach to remain culturally informed and responsive.”
VMFS will eventually transition to a Full Service Partnership, or FSP, providing intensive mental health services while taking a holistic approach to the other needs veterans and military families may have.
Submitted by William R. Wilson.
Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Network Hosts 14th Annual Summit
The Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention (LASPN) hosted its 14th annual summit on Sep. 10 and 11 during Suicide Prevention Month at the California Endowment. This year’s theme was Shining Our Light Together: Destigmatizing and Preventing Suicide. The event brought together mental health professionals, advocates, survivors, providers, researchers, and representatives from various agencies and organizations to work together to decrease the number of suicides in Los Angeles County.
The first day’s highlight was the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, which performed songs of survival and joy. Several choir members also spoke about their own experiences and how they overcame their mental health struggles. There were also featured remarks by LACDMH Director Dr. Lisa H. Wong; Kristin Sakoda, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture Director; Dr. Priya Batra, Deputy Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and more.
The second day featured a heartfelt, candid discussion between suicide attempt survivors and loved ones of people who died by suicide as well as keynote programming from Dino Alzadon, a Program Coordinator for Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, and a discussion with former foster youth from the National Foster Youth Institute. There were also remarks from D’Artagnan Scorza, Executive Director of Racial Equity for Los Angeles County, actress Sarah Gilman, and more.
Both days featured an awards ceremony, honoring committed suicide prevention advocates with the Dr. Sam Chan and Dr. James Cunningham Hero Award for Outstanding Leadership, the Hero Award for Collaboration, the Hero Award for Innovation, Sam & Lois Bloom Hero Award for Outstanding Advocacy, Dr. Elaine Leader Award for Outstanding Youth, and the Hero Award for Inspirational Mentorship. Attendees also participated in several wellness workshops and activities.