ARISE Hosts Mental Health Multicultural Conference
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s (LACDMH) Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Solidarity & Empowerment (ARISE) Division hosted its 2026 Mental Health Multicultural Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on March 17 and 18. The event was themed, “Healing in a Land of Diversity: A Multicultural Approach to Mental Health,” to honor Los Angeles County’s rich cultural diversity.
Hundreds of attendees from LACDMH and beyond gathered at the downtown conference to learn and grow both personally and professionally. The two-day event focused on examining innovative, comprehensive strategies and treatments tailored to the County community’s diverse behavioral health needs. The conference featured workshops and presentations on antiracism, disability-inclusive mental wellness, LGBTQ+ mental health, culturally inclusive care, and much more.
The conference featured keynote remarks from Wendy Ashley, Psy.D., Chair of California State University Northridge’s Department of Social Work; Kristen Lewis, Director and Co-founder of Measure America; and Mastaneh Moghadam, Executive Director and Co-founder of Cross-Cultural Expressions. Additionally, the event also featured musical entertainment from Project KnuckleHead and Give a Beat.
The Department’s efforts were led by the ARISE Division Managers, Mary Barraza, Senior Deputy Director of Prevention & Child Wellbeing Administration; Robert D. Byrd, Psy.D., Deputy Director of the Prevention Division; and Mirtala Parada Ward, ARISE Division Chief, and the conference planning committee. James Coomes, Program Manager III, served as Master of Ceremonies while Chief Deputy Director Rimmi Hundal and Barraza provided opening remarks and the land acknowledgement.
LACDMH Helps Paint Picture of Wellbeing with A Portrait of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) DMH leadership took part in the launch event for A Portrait of Los Angeles County 2026, which took an in-depth look into wellbeing and opportunity in Los Angeles County. The launch event on March 11 featured remarks from Director Lisa H. Wong, Psy.D., and Kalene Gilbert, BHSA Coordinator, and took place at the Alliance for Children’s Rights.
A Portrait of Los Angeles County is the follow-up to a 2017 report of the same name, which assessed people by place, gender and race. The report uses the American Human Development Index to measure data on health, education and income and showed modestly improved results, with significant gains in educational attainment and meaningful increases in median personal earnings.
The project also researched what matters most to County residents. Through in-person and virtual data walks, County residents shared they care most about education, community resources, health, work and wages. The project also allowed residents to voice key concerns and suggest recommendations for improvement based on lived experiences and unique perspectives.
LACDMH was a key funder for this project, which also included support from the James Irvine Foundation, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Cedars-Sinai and First 5 LA. You can read the press release and discover all the project’s findings on its website. Watch video Watch video here.
2026 Celebrating Heritage and Cultural Inclusion Milestones
As we welcome 2026, we find ourselves at a remarkable intersection of celebration. This New Year coincides not only with the 250-year anniversary of the United States (and other significant celebratory days) but also marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Week, an initiative launched by Dr. Carter G. Woodson (known as the father of Black History Month). These milestones present us with profound opportunities to honor inclusion and celebrate Black culture while reflecting on our shared history.
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday is commemorated nationally, reminds us of the critical importance of individual purpose and belonging in our professional and local communities. His vision of unity resonates deeply as we acknowledge the struggles and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. As we move forward, we recognize the beautiful mosaic of cultural colors that define our individual identities yet unify our humanity.
This year, let us embrace the spirit of celebration with enthusiasm. We can commemorate our shared humanity through song, music, dance — all vital expressions of belonging. The Black National Anthem serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope, uniting us in a shared commitment to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.
As we unite in celebrations, let us acknowledge our individual and collective milestones — birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and holidays — while honoring contributions that have shaped this nation. Together, we can foster lasting commitments to inclusion/belonging, supporting all voices and celebrating our diversity. In our celebration of 2026, we affirm our dedication to building positive relationships for a united future grounded in respect and unity.
In the New Year, let’s not just celebrate our differences, but also remember the rich heritage that binds us together as a human race.
Submitted in Solidarity,
Treva Blackwell, ARISE SAC Co-Chair
References
- Woodson, Carter G.,The Mis-Education of the Negro, 1933. View search results for this book on the L.A. County Library site.
- Why We Celebrate: artsandculture.google.com/story/why-we-celebrate/VQUxoBzSfges-w?hl=en
- Knowing the Past Opens the Door to the Future: The Continuing Importance of Black History Month: nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/knowing-past-opens-door-future-continuing-importance-black-history-month
- Black National Anthem – Lift Every Voice: youtu.be/KVoNTGTkTbE
LACDMH Continues Offering Mental Health Support to Fire-impacted Residents Through State Partnership
LACDMH, in collaboration with the California Department of Health Care Services’ CalHOPE Program, has received a SAMHSA Emergency Response Grant to provide mental health and supportive services through June 2026 for residents and communities affected by last year’s wildfires. These services will support people experiencing trauma and crisis; people with adjustment disorders due to fire-related losses or disruptions; and people who need mental health support during the recovery process.
To address the wellbeing needs of fire-impacted residents and communities, LACDMH will operate two walk-in centers: the Eaton Fire Collaborative (540 W. Woodbury Road, Altadena 91001) and the Palisades Fire Collaborative (15247 La Cruz Drive, Los Angeles 90272). At both locations, a broad range of services will be offered by LACDMH and its partners, including: individual and family counseling, crisis stabilization, support groups, case management, wellness activities, and linkage to additional resources.
Both centers will initially be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. Hours of operation will be adjusted as needed to meet community demand.
Residents may also call the LACDMH-run Fire Support Line at (833) 659-0600 to speak to a mental health professional about mental health-related challenges or concerns.
County residents can also get 24/7 support by calling the Los Angeles County Help Line for Mental Health & Substance Use Services at (800) 854-7771; calling or texting the CalHOPE Warm Line at (833) 317-HOPE (4673); or calling or texting SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline at (800) 985-5990. These and additional resources are posted at dmh.lacounty.gov/disaster-resources.
View photos of Eaton Fire Collaborative here.
Check Out The Q4 2025 Issue of Our Quarterly Stakeholder Newsletter
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) and its Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Solidarity and Empowerment(ARISE) Division, are excited to share Issue #5 of 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 newsletter is a space for your voices, stories, and experiences to be shared and celebrated. We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to continuing to highlight your original content in future editions.
To read the newsletter, follow this link.
Para leer su Newsletter en español, siga este enlace.
한국어로 된 뉴스레터를 읽으려면 이 링크를 따르십시오.
High Desert Mental Health Center Opens in Lancaster
High Desert Mental Health Center Opens in Lancaster
LACDMH’s Service Area 1 was proud to celebrate the opening of the High Desert Mental Health Center with Fifth District County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and other County departments on December 11 in Lancaster.
The new High Desert clinic features a Crisis Residential Treatment Program (CRTP), Crisis Stabilization Unit and Mental Health Hub to provide a broad range of supports in an integrated, wholistic setting for people experiencing mental health challenges. It’s a major milestone in Los Angeles County’s commitment to building a compassionate, modern and integrated system of care. The project was supported and funded from multiple sources, including County general funds and more than $43 million awarded from California’s Mental Health Services Act and the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program.
The Crisis Residential Treatment Program will be the first adult CRTP in the Antelope Valley and will house 16 beds and provide a short-term alternative to hospitalization, serving 275 to 400 adults annually. The Crisis Stabilization Unit will serve children and youth in Service Area 1, giving families a much closer resource for the nearly 3,000 expected child and youth visitors. The Mental Health Hub expands the programs already operating at the High Desert Regional Health Center, allowing LACDMH to hire additional staff and serve more people. Currently, the Regional Health Center sees 850 individuals per year, and this expansion is estimated to serve more than 2,600 people annually.
LACDMH Director Lisa H. Wong, Psy.D., spoke alongside Supervisor Barger; Kristin Sakoda, Director of the County Department of Arts & Culture; Miki Esposito, County Department of Public Works Assistant Director; Shari Doe, DHS Ambulatory Care Network CEO; Lancaster Councilmember Raj Malhi; and Palmdale Councilmember Eric Ohlsen.
Community Wellness is Unstoppable!
Community Wellness is Unstoppable!
Health Matters Clinic was awarded a capacity-building project of the Black and African Heritage (BAH) Underserved Cultural Community (UsCC). The Clinic designed, facilitated, and evaluated “Unstoppable: The Power of Healing and Growth,” a workshop series of dynamic, trauma-informed, culturally affirming mental health sessions. Clinic leaders created an accessible and safe space with Black community members to experience healing together at the Curtis Tucker Center for Community Wellness in Inglewood, Charles Drew University, and virtually.
Workshop participants gathered for guided discussions on mental health literacy, disability, building resilience, and navigating life transitions. Participants engaged in community walks, journaling, stress reduction, storytelling, and wellness planning activities, using the Workshop’s 45-page Unstoppable Digital Companion.
Erica Robinson, President of Health Matters Clinic, shared, “through community-derived wisdom, the workshop fosters an environment in which participants feel seen, heard, and validated. Many reported increased confidence in seeking support, greater comfort discussing mental health within their social networks, and a stronger understanding of movement as a healing practice. Participant feedback also noted improved mood, an increased sense of belonging, and reduced feelings of isolation.”
Health Matters Clinic continues to hold transformational events and wellness walks, showing that community wellness is indeed Unstoppable!
To access the Unstoppable Digital Companion, visit: healthmattersclinic.gumroad.com/l/unstoppable
For further information on Health Matters Clinic, and their schedule of Unstoppable events, visit: healthmatters.clinic
To learn about the Black and African Heritage UsCC, visit: Black and African Heritage (BAH) UsCC – Department of Mental Health
Submitted by ARISE Division.
LACDMH Launches Office of TAY to Address Wellbeing Needs of Teens and Young Adults
On Nov. 24, LACDMH officially launched the Office of Transition Age Youth to promote the wellbeing and mental health of young people between ages 16 and 25. By coordinating and centering services around this population’s specific needs, the Office of TAY will increase access to services, reduce stigma and barriers, and empower them to lead healthy, thriving lives.
The launch took place at LACDMH Headquarters and featured remarks from Lisa H. Wong, Psy.D., LACDMH Director, Mary Barraza, Senior Deputy Director of Prevention and Child Wellbeing Services and Erica Reynoso, Ph.D., Countywide Chief for the Office of TAY, highlighting this program’s purpose and mission.
The event also included a screening of the “Cope Safely” short film featuring the voices of three youths and explores the realities of coping with mental health and substance use challenges. The film was made in partnership with UCLA’s Prevention Center of Excellence and Kids in the Spotlight, an organization that helps foster youth heal and grow from trauma through the power of storytelling and filmmaking
After the screening, Shailen Dawkins from Youth Creating Change and film director Joseph Roa moderated a Q&A session with youth experts who shared their lived experiences with human service systems. The launch event concluded with a call to action for LACDMH and its partners to strengthen their collaboration and to engage TAY in service planning and implementation.
For more information about the Office of TAY’s programs, email AskTAY@dmh.lacounty.gov. Additional resources and services are also featured on our TAY Services webpage.
Hollywood 2.0 Celebrates November Open House
The Hollywood 2.0 program hosted its second open house of 2025 at the Preserve, an event and co-working space in Hollywood on November 11. LACDMH’s community-based, compassionate neighborhood care brought together the Hollywood community for food, fun and updates. The event was hosted by DMH and Hollywood 4WRD.
The November update provided new details on the program’s success. There have been 6,601 clients served through the mental health center; 126 members in the Fountain House Clubhouse; and 152 clients placed in interim housing with 89 more in A New Dawn and 86 others in project-based housing.
The highlight of the event was the segment, “Chatting with Carolyn,” which featured Carolyn Kaneko, Mental Health Program Manager II, and three clients, Hope, Mignon and Shandonna. The clients spoke about their journey into the Hollywood 2.0 program and how much they have grown through being housed, attending the clinic and other services like Fountain House, a community-based recovery clubhouse that supports its members.
The event also featured remarks from LACDMH’s Karla Bennett, Mental Health Program Manager II, program evaluation updates from RAND, IDEO’s new H2.0 engagement campaign, and an update on the community art project.
Hollywood Mental Health Cooperative Opens on New Space
The Hollywood Mental Health Cooperative team celebrated its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunset Boulevard on October 30 and was acknowledged with a certificate from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to mark the occasion. The event was emceed by Carolyn Kaneko, Mental Health Program Manager II, and Karla Bennett, Mental Health Program Manager II.
The event featured remarks from Third District County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath; Jazmine Garcia Delgadillo, Health Deputy for First District County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis; LACDMH Director Lisa H. Wong, Psy.D.; and a client testimonial. Attendees were later treated to a tour around the new clinic space.
The cooperative provides a host of services, including mental health referral and assessment, crisis intervention, individual treatment, group therapy, case management, medication management and more. Services are provided in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian and Armenian. The clinic is also a part of the Hollywood 2.0 pilot program, which integrates outpatient clinic services, Full-Service Partnership teams and field-based care.