Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH)
Notification of Language Assistance

Effective dates: July 1, 2024

Notification of Language Assistance

LACDMH ensures that language assistance services are made known to LOTE-speaking consumers at different points of contact by:

LACDMH inquires about language needs at the first point of contact with potential clients. Prospective clients and their family members may request services in their preferred language at any time. Additionally, as noted in Part A, LACDMH’s Provider Directory enables community members to search for mental health services by language and geographic proximity.
LACDMH’s directly operated and contracted Legal Entity provider sites are mandated to display the Local Mental Health Plan poster in lobbies and waiting areas, which informs the public about available language access services.
The Provider Directory Handbook, available on the LACDMH website, is offered in 13 threshold languages and lists LOTE providers across sites and programs.
The departmental website includes a feature called “Toggle Google Translate” that enables immediate translation of English content into over 90 languages. This tool can be accessed through:
- Web browser’s built-in translation functions (based on language preferences in browser settings)
- The “Toggle Google Translate” menu at the top of the LACDMH website
Users can configure their browsers to automatically prompt for translation by selecting their preferred non-English language in the settings. Accessing translation on the site involves:
- Clicking the Toggle menu at the top of the website
- Selecting “Toggle Google Translate” in the site header
- Choosing the desired language from the dropdown list

LACDMH will continue to enhance accessibility of materials for all communities served.
The ARISE Division provides annual training and resource dissemination to ensure compliance with Medi-Cal and Cultural Competency Plan requirements, including delivery of services in the 13 LA County threshold languages.