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Mental health is a common issue for many people in the United States. In fact, in 2021, nearly one in four adults and one in seven children struggled with some kind of mental health problem — with anxiety and depression being two of the most common issues. Even more concerning, about one in 20 adults face severe mental health issues that affect their ability to complete daily tasks or go to work.
These numbers highlight the importance of mental illness awareness and behavioral health support. It’s important that everyone gets the mental health care they need, no matter how much money they have.
If you're in Southern California and looking for affordable ways to take care of your mental health, keep reading! We've got some great options available if you’re uninsured and underinsured.
Five Affordable Mental Health Services Available in SoCal
Taking care of your mental health is a brave and important step. Below are five affordable mental health services available in Southern California.
1. Individual Therapy for Personalized Support
Individual therapy is like having a personal coach for your mind. You get one-on-one counseling with a therapist who listens to you and helps you work through your problems. Different types of therapy exist for different issues — like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Other types of individual therapy include talk therapy, where you discuss your feelings, and art therapy, where you express yourself through creativity. Individual therapy can help you better understand yourself, learn new coping skills, and feel more in control of your life.
2. Group Therapy
Group therapy brings together people with similar issues to support each other — like a team where everyone shares their experiences and learns from one another. Groups can focus on different topics, like overcoming addiction or learning to manage stress. In these sessions, you might practice new skills, share your struggles, and celebrate each other's progress. Group therapy can help you feel less alone and learn from others who understand what you're going through.
3. Medication for Mental Health
Medication can be a helpful tool for managing some mental health issues. It often starts with a psychiatric evaluation to determine the best treatment options. The medication then works by changing certain chemicals in your brain to help improve your mood, thoughts, or behaviors. For example, some medicines can help with depression by making you feel less sad, while others can help with anxiety by making you feel calmer.
A healthcare provider trained in mental health conditions can decide if medication is right for you and explain how to take it and what to expect. Medication often works best with an integrative approach that includes therapy. Although it's not a magic fix, for many people, medication can be an important part of feeling better and managing their mental health.
4. Crisis Intervention Services for Immediate Help in Urgent Situations
Crisis intervention is like a mental health emergency room. It provides urgent mental health support when you need help right away and can't wait for a regular appointment. These services are available 24/7 and include both local and national phone hotlines, online chats, or in-person support.
Crisis intervention can help you stay safe, calm down if you’re feeling very upset, and connect you with other services you might need. It's a lifeline when you're feeling overwhelmed and need immediate support. If you need help right away, there are national crisis hotlines that you can call anytime, day or night. They are free and confidential:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press one or text 838255
- Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): 1-866-488-7386
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
5. Specialized Services for Addressing Unique Mental Health Needs
Specialized services focus on specific needs or groups of people. For example, trauma-focused therapy helps people who have been through very scary or upsetting events. LGBTQ+ mental health support is for people who might face unique challenges because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Veterans' programs help people who have served in the military deal with their experiences. These services are important because they understand the specific issues you might be facing and can offer more targeted help.
Common Reasons to Seek Mental Health Care
Sometimes, thoughts and feelings can be overwhelming, or we might face problems that are hard to handle alone. It's important to recognize warning signs of mental illness and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Some signs that you should get mental health support include:
- Feeling very worried or scared a lot of the time
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or uninterested in things you used to enjoy
- Dealing with the effects of an upsetting event
- Recovering from physical, emotional, or sexual harm
- Feeling overwhelmed by life's demands
- Dealing with harm or threats from a partner or family member
- Struggling to control the use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances
- Having flashbacks or nightmares after a scary event
- Having unhealthy thoughts and behaviors about food and weight
- Having trouble focusing, sitting still, or controlling impulses
Remember, these are just some examples. Any reason that affects your mental well-being is a good reason to seek help.
When Should I See Someone for My Mental Health?
It's not always easy to know when to get help for your mental health. A good rule is to reach out if your feelings or thoughts are making it hard to live your normal life. This could mean having trouble at work or school, problems in your relationships, or difficulty taking care of yourself.
If you're feeling sad, worried, or angry a lot of the time, that's another sign you might need help. Also, if you're thinking about hurting yourself or others, it's very important to talk to someone right away. Remember, it's okay to ask for help even if you're not sure you need it. Talking to a mental health professional can help you figure things out and feel better.
Where to Find the Best Mental Health Services in Southern California
We know it can be tough to reach out, especially when money is tight. If you're looking for help with your mental health but worried about the cost, don't give up hope! There are affordable options in Southern California.
Southern California Medical Center (SCMC) is dedicated to offering low-cost mental health services to adults, teens, and children at six easily accessible locations throughout Southern California:
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Van Nuys: 14550 Haynes St. Van Nuys, CA 91411
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Pomona: 502 W. Holt Ave. Pomona, CA 91768
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Pico Rivera: 8825 Whittier Blvd. Pico Rivera, CA 90660
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Long Beach: 1627 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90813
- Affordable Mental Health Services in El Monte: 12100 Valley Blvd. El Monte, CA 91732
- Affordable Mental Health Services in Woodland Hills: 20011 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1002, Woodland Hills, CA, 91364
Regardless of your ability to pay, SCMC is here for you and all your mental health needs. At all of our locations, you will find mental health professionals and healthcare providers who are fluent in English, Spanish, Khmer, Korean, Farsi, Hindi, Tagalog, and Armenian.
Ready to get help for your mental health at one of our affordable medical clinics in Southern California?
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