Politics & Government

City Of Long Beach:May Is Mental Health Awareness Month; Supportive Services Are Available

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is launching the campaign, during Mental Health Awareness Month this May, ...

Press Release Desk's profile picture
Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the City of Long Beach:

5/7/2021

Mental Health Matters

Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The City would like to remind residents: you are not alone, and mental health struggles do not define us. Supports are there when you are ready. Information about supportive services is available via the City’s website at longbeach.gov/mentalhealthmatters. If you’re experiencing signs of mental health struggles, reach out to the following for support:

  • Call the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center-Long Beach at 562.548.6565, 24 hours a day/7 days a week, or visit www.starsinc.com/bhucc-longbeach, if you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis. If you or a loved one is in need of emergency care, call 9-1-1.  
  • Black residents interested in mental health services, provided through the Black Health Equity Fund, can also complete a referral form online for assistance.
  • If you are ready to find a local mental health provider, call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access line at 1-800-854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741. 

    • The campaign, developed by Long Beach based mental health providers and Health Department social workers, includes radio and digital public service announcements (PSAs) on Radio.com and via the City’s social media platforms, @LongBeachCity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

    Expert panel discussions, which focus on normalizing experiences with mental health conditions while also uplifting the City’s diverse and vibrant communities, will be available on the City’s YouTube channel throughout the month. 

    In November, in response to the outstanding need for mental health support amidst the pandemic, the City contracted with licensed mental health providers to connect uninsured or underinsured Black residents to provide quality mental health services at no cost. To date, over 550 culturally-affirming virtual sessions have been completed by clinicians from three partner agencies. In addition, residents receiving services are connected to alternate wellness techniques such as ecotherapy and financial wellness techniques. 

    Funding for the creation and dissemination of the Mental Health Matters campaign was provided through the allocation of $95,000 of CARES Act funding, approved by the Long Beach City Council. The Health Department continues to develop strategies to support the mental health of those who live in Long Beach.

    This press release was produced by the City of Long Beach. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

    More from Long Beach