How to Access Mental Health Care & Other Resources

Navigating the mental health system can seem like a difficult task. We’ll help you do it!

GETTING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:

Some schools have a mental health provider that they work with. A good place to start is by asking the student’s teacher, school counselor/psychologist, and/or school administrator about available mental health services.

If the school does not have a mental health provider, you may:

  • Click Provider Directory to find a mental health clinic near you! Please watch this short video that will walk you through the steps needed to find resources using the DMH website.

OR

  • Contact LACDMH Help Line at 1-800-854-7771 to be referred to a mental health provider.

OR

  • Contact 211 LA: Dial 2-1-1 this is a hub for community and community organizations looking for all types of health, human, and social services in Los Angeles County. https://www.211la.org/

 

IF A STUDENT HAS PRIVATE INSURANCE:

  • A student’s health coverage plan may cover mental health services, please contact the insurance provider. For a list of insurance behavioral health providers contacts, click here.

CRISIS & EMERGENCY INFORMATION:

If you/student is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, fear for safety, or need immediate help, please Call 911.

For a psychiatric/mental health emergency, contact one of the following:

Department of Mental Health Help Line: 1-800-854-7771

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or use their online chat to speak to someone if you or someone you care about is considering harming themselves or experiencing emotional distress. (Learn more about the 988 Lifeline here.)

 

School Threat Assessment Response Team (START) Services

  • The School Threat Assessment Response Team (START) was designed to address the need for comprehensive threat prevention and management program in school settings. Learn more about START click here

 

Other Support and Resource Lines:

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Protection Hotline: 1-800-540-4000

  • Call the Child Protection Hotline if you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed physically, mentally, and/or emotionally or is a victim of neglect.

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) offers free education and resources on mental health, as well as supports. To find information about your local NAMI click here. Contact their HelpLine Monday – Friday (10am-10pm ET) 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640.

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888  

Contact this hotline if you or someone you know:

  • Is being held against their will
  • Is being forced to have sex for money or something of value against their will
  • Is under 18 and engaging in commercial sex
  • Is being forced to work or perform services against their will
  • If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual assault or harassment and needs support, assistance, and advice.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 

  • If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual assault or harassment and needs support, assistance, and advice.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 

  • If you or someone you care about has or is experiencing domestic or relationship-based violence and needs support, advice, and connection to a safe place.