Your mental health affects how you feel, think, and cope with daily life. Taking care of your mental health can help your body and mind feel better. It may help you feel calmer, think more clearly, and have more energy.
At L.A. Care, we're here to support you. You have access to caring providers helpful tools and resources. We are ready to help you feel your best.
Mental Health Resources for When You Need Them Most
- Carelon: All Members can call Carelon Behavioral Health at (877) 344-2858 TTY/TTD (800) 735-2929 for a mental health screening. There is No Wrong Door.
- Dept. of Mental Health: Medi-Cal Members call the L.A. County Department of Mental Health for support with complex needs at (800) 854-7771.
- Substance Abuse: Medi-Cal Members call the L.A. County DPH SAPC for support with substance use disorders at (844) 804-7500.
- 988: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having suicidal thoughts, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (not affiliated with L.A. Care).
- 911: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Getting the Care That’s Right for You
You do not need a referral for your first mental health assessment with an L.A. Care contracted provider. If you need more care, your provider will help guide your next steps. With our ‘No Wrong Door’ policy, you can start from any point and still be connected to the right care.
L.A. Care has different types of plans. To learn what services are available to you, choose your plan below.
Where You Can Get Care
- Carelon Behavioral Health – for most mental health services, including therapy and psychiatry
- Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) – can provide screenings, some outpatient care and help you get started
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) – for specialty mental health services like crisis care
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (DPH-SAPC) – for substance use treatment, including detox and recovery programs
Details About Mental Health Resources
Carelon Behavioral Health is L.A. Care’s partner for mental health and substance use services. They help connect members to care like therapy, psychiatry, crisis support, and substance use treatment.
View Carelon Brochure - English
View Carelon Brochure - Español
Phone: (877) 344-2858 TTY/TTD (800) 735-2929
BHT is a covered service for members who qualify. A doctor, surgeon, or psychologist must say it is needed.
BHT includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a treatment that may help reduce harmful behaviors. It can also help with learning and social skills.
Phone: (888) 347-2264
Send an email
Note: Phone and email support are only for members with Medi-Cal plans. If you have a different plan, please contact Carelon for help anytime at (877) 344-2858 or TTY/TTD (800) 735-2929.
SAPC provides care for Medi-Cal members with substance use needs. Services include:
- Outpatient treatment
- Intensive outpatient care
- Opioid treatment program
- Medications for addiction treatment (MAT)
- Detox services
Substance Abuse Service Hotline: (844) 804-7500
Resources
DMH helps Medi-Cal members who need a higher level of mental health care. Services include:
- Outpatient mental health services
- Help with medications
- Crisis support and stabilization services
- Inpatient psychiatric hospital care
Help Line: (800) 854-7771
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a free and open 24/7.
It gives confidential support to people in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. You can call or text 988 to talk with a trained counselor.
Additional Resources
