Psychiatric Medication Monitoring

The program provides mental health services for people of all ages in Los Angeles County. Services include a Family-to-Family caregiver training course, in person crisis intervention, mental health support groups, psychological testing, psychiatric resocialization, short-term individual and group counseling, independent living skills instruction for chronic and severe mental illness, psychiatric day treatment, psychiatric disorder counseling, suicide prevention hotlines, psychiatric medication monitoring for children and a suicide survivors support group. There are no geographic restrictions.

The 12-week caregiver training course called de Familia a Familia is provided by NAMI California - Westside Los Angeles for individuals providing care for mentally ill family members. The course includes information about strategies, medications, and current research; developing skills for problem solving, communication, and listening; dealing with stress; and locating resources.

The program provides telephone and in-person crisis intervention, referral services for people of all ages who are experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis. Services include counseling and, where necessary, arrangements for further psychiatric evaluation or hospitalization. Psychological testing is provided for Medi-Cal recipients only, including those who are court-ordered.

Crisis intervention of up to six visits is provided to help individuals and families cope with life crises, including child abuse. Crisis intervention sessions may be individual, conjoint or family depending on need.

The program offers consultation, education and prevention services to caregiving agencies and systems, community education programs about life experiences and mental health issues, and training for mental health practitioners.

Mental health support groups are available to suicide attempt survivors, or others who are experiencing chronic thoughts of suicide who are over 18 years of age.

The Suicide Prevention Center provides telephone crisis intervention and referral services for people of all ages who are threatening or attempting suicide. The agency also gives guidance to family, friends and concerned loved ones. It provides education and prevention services for individuals and educates the public about the incidence and dynamics of suicide and other self-destructive behaviors. The center also provides supportive services for people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Survivors After Suicide groups, which is a suicide survivors support group, are available at several sites. In addition, the center provides volunteer opportunities.

At the Glendale site for adults the program provides rehabilitative treatment and medication to the seriously mentally ill. The agency also provides mental health services for children including psychiatric consultation and testing. The agency operates a clubhouse for adults who have a mental disability and who need support to prevent hospitalization. The program includes counseling, socialization opportunities and independent living skill instruction. Individuals must call ahead for availability.