FAQ > SEEKING TREATMENT
How do I find treatment for my loved one suffering from a mental illness?
There are numerous agencies and organizations in the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond that can help you find treatment and resources for you or your loved one. One of the best organizations is called NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). NAMI is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to providing support, information, and education to families and individuals whose lives have been affected by mental illness. You can find the local NAMI chapter near you by contacting the national NAMI office at (800)950-NAMI or going onto NAMI's website, www.nami.org.
Other reputable organizations with referral capabilities include:
National Mental Health Association
(800)969-NMHA
www.nmha.org
www.mhala.org for the Greater Los Angeles area
American Psychological Association
(800)374-2721
www.apa.org
American Psychiatric Association
(888)357-7924
www.psych.org
In addition, you are welcome to contact or come by the Nathanson Family Resource Center, where we have facilitators to help you with your questions, as well as additional access to mental health resources. Individuals or families may use the Southern California Rainbow Resource Guide, which is an in-depth and thorough directory of social service organizations around the Southern California area. The Nathanson Family Resource Center is located on the B level of the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital, in room B8-248. The phone number is (310)794-9584, and the email address is nfrc@mednet.ucla.edu.
I live in a geographically isolated area - is there any way I can find my loved one a closer therapist?
Any of the resources listed above will be helpful in referring you to an appropriate therapist. Here are a couple of websites that can also help:
http://therapists.psychologytoday.com
http://mentalhelp.net
www.find-a-therapist.com
www.1-800-therapist.com
www.therapistfinder.net
As a caregiver of someone with a mental illness, how can I find a therapist for myself?
Living with a loved one with a mental illness may be difficult and you may benefit from therapy for yourself as well. Again, any of the resources listed above will be helpful to you.
My loved one was sent home but we followed up and the therapists that were recommended to us are not taking new clients or don't see adolescents/children - what do we do now?
The first thing you should do is contact the case manager or social worker who gave you the original recommendations. They will likely have additional recommendations, and they will probably be happy to know the current status of the therapists on their referral lists.
