May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and JFSLA is shining a light on our mental health programs which provide critical services to hundreds of Angelenos every year. In the U.S., more than one in five adults live with a mental health condition. Of those, more than half lack access to mental health care.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a sharp increase in anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues nationwide, adding to physical health and financial challenges for at-risk populations, such as mothers and pregnant women, families experiencing housing insecurity and financial instability, people with disabilities, children, seniors, and people with preexisting mental health issues.
Individuals and families face multiple barriers to mental health care, such as lack of insurance coverage, high cost of treatment, long waitlists to access an in-network specialist, and the stigma that surrounds mental health care. JFSLA strives to help clients overcome these challenges and welcome those struggling with depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, substance use and addiction, relationship challenges, and other mental health challenges into our spectrum of care. In addition, JFSLA clients have the option of receiving services at home, virtually, in our offices, or at designated safe spaces. JFSLA offers several services that address a client’s mental health, including:
Our JFSLA treatment team supports individuals with one-on-one counseling, psychotherapy, medication prescription and monitoring, support groups, workshops on a variety of topics, and consultations.
Clients receive domestic violence counseling and support at our two JFS Hope domestic violence counseling centers and three shelters. Services are available in English and Spanish, and include individual therapy, parenting education, weekly support groups, social service and legal advocacy, case management, financial assistance and more.
New Parents Connect, JFSLA’s Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Program, helps new and expectant parents overcome feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety while increasing access to community resources and support networks.
The Ezra Network offers Jewish individuals and families access to services and support in a culturally sensitive and geographically convenient environment. JFSLA social workers provide both virtual and on-site services at various Jewish institutions throughout Los Angeles. These services include counseling, case management, connection to resources, individual grants, clergy and staff consultations, training, workshops, and support groups.
- Homeless Prevention Program provides clients aged 55 and older living with a hoarding disorder with mental health counseling, intensive care management, and concrete support. The program helps with storage and moving costs and links clients to legal assistance or legal aid to prevent eviction.
Every day, JFSLA is here to support the people of our city. If you or someone you know could use a helping hand, please visit jfsla.org/mental-health or call 877-275-4537.
