Pasadena Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month (Photo – Graphics Dept.)

Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month in May to bring attention to the importance of mental health, encourage community members to seek help if needed, and promote resources for well-being.

By News Desk

Mental illness affects people of all ages, backgrounds and socioeconomic status. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults and one in six children experience mental illness each year. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental illness causes many to face their mental health challenges without help.

“For someone in need of help, raising awareness can be a turning point for acceptance, improved understanding and access to support,” said Manuel Carmona, acting public health director. “When someone shares a mental health concern with you, it is a critical opportunity to let them know it is okay to not be okay and help them connect to important resources.”

PPHD encourages anyone who needs mental health support to seek help. Crisis counseling services are available to Pasadena residents including:

• Pacific Clinics
  Call (877) PC-CARES for emergency mental health services, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• LA County Crisis Text Line
  Text LA to 741741 for services available 24/7.

• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) ACCESS Program
  Call (800) 854-7771, available 24/7. This serves as the main entry point to emergency mental health services in all of the county, including in Pasadena.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  Call 9-8-8 to access a 24/7 national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 988 text messaging and online chat is also available.

If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 and ask the operator for an officer trained in crisis intervention for a psychiatric emergency.

There are several specialized mental health assistance programs offering non-emergency services in the greater Pasadena area. A list of local resources can be found in the Pasadena Emotional Health and Well-Being Resource Guide. Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) offers families additional mental health resources through the Mental Health Services Department. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or health insurance to access a list of providers in their insurance network.

The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) receives limited funding from LACDMH to support programs that link transitional-age youth and older adults experiencing homelessness to community-based mental health services. The department is not currently funded to offer emergency mental health services or direct patient care.