When it comes to thriving, finding high quality, affordable child care is part of a bigger puzzle for families. Read on for a selection of resources to support the healthy growth and development of your family!
General Health & Wellness Resources
Help keep your family healthy with these resources around LA County.
- Los Angeles Department of Health Services
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates 4 medical centers and over 24 clinics in LA County. Their health system offers primary and emergency care, women’s health, mental health support, and a nurse helpline among other services. Health care services are available to insured and uninsured families regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Visit the Health Services website to learn more about getting coverage and care and to find a clinic near you, or call (844)-804-0055.
- Community Resource Centers
L.A. Care Health Plan and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan have partnered to create 14 Community Resource Centers across LA County. These centers offer free wellness classes, such as dance, fitness, nutrition, and cooking classes, to all community members regardless of insurance status. Additionally, these Community Resource Centers offer free food distribution, preventative health screenings, flu shot clinics, and assistance with health care enrollment. Child supervision is offered for children ages 4 and older while parents attend classes. To learn more, visit the Community Resource Center homepage or stop by a location near you.
- Wellness Programs Through LAUSD
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)’s Wellness Program Department helps LAUSD students and their families gain access to health and wellness services. Services such as the Healthy Start Program and the Children’s Healthy Access and Medi-Cal Programs (CHAMP) help families enroll in health insurance coverage and get connected to physical and mental health resources in the school district and community.
To learn more about all their programs, visit LAUSD's Wellness Programs Branch website or call the Student and Family Wellness Hotline at (213) 241-3840 during weekdays from 8:00am-5:00pm.
Pregnant and Parenting Health and Wellbeing Resources
Explore these resources that help moms and babies get a healthy start.
- Maternal and Child Health Access (MCHA)
The Maternal and Child Health Access (MCHA) of Los Angeles is a perinatal center where pregnant and parenting people and their families can get help accessing health care services. Services include breastfeeding support groups, health education classes, CalFresh enrollment support, healthcare services navigation, and home visiting programs.
To learn more, visit the Maternal and Child Health Access (MCHA) website (scroll to the bottom under Programs and Services) or call 213-749-4261.
- Home Visiting Programs
Home visiting programs give pregnant and parenting families the opportunity for personalized support and information in the comfort of their home. These programs support the health and safety of the baby and parents and connect families to supports and services. Research has shown that home visiting programs improve child and maternal health, influence strong cognitive development and school performance, prevent child maltreatment, strengthen positive parenting practices, and improve family economic stability.
The Los Angeles County Perinatal and Early Childhood Home Visitation Consortium (the Consortium) is a network of home visitation and health programs. Visit the Consortium's website to learn about the different types of home visitation programs offered in LA County or answer a few questions to get a catered list of free programs that meet your unique needs.
The Consortium’s website also includes a host of other resources on topics relevant for pregnant and parenting people, such as infant health and development, parenting resources, immunization, housing and homeless services, and immigrant services.
Mental Health Resources
Mental wellness is just as important as physical health. These resources provide you and your family with well-rounded opportunities to stay healthy.
- Behavioral Health Virtual Service Platforms
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has launched the Behavioral Health Virtual Services Platform, which offers free web- and app-based behavioral health services, including care navigation, moderated peer communities, and crisis and safety resources. The platform has two web- and app-based applications: Brightlife Kids, for parents or caregivers of children ages 0-12, and Soluna, for teens and young adults ages 13-25.
Brightlife Kids offers behavioral health coaching for parents, caregivers, and kids. Learn how to build non-verbal communication skills, navigate milestones, teach toddlers to share, manage separation anxiety, and more. Services are free and do not require insurance or referrals. To learn more and download the app, visit CalHOPE.
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) helpline provides a spectrum of mental health services to people of all ages and backgrounds.
To find clinics and services in your area, type your zip code in the “near” textbox on LACDMH’s service locator. Los Angeles County residents can also access mental health resources and referrals by calling the 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771 or by texting 741741 to connect with a counselor for free crisis support.
- LAUSD Mental Health Services
LAUSD offers mental health programs for the children and families in their care. Programs include School Mental Health (SMH) Clinics and regional teams who offer mental health services, such as in-person and virtual counseling.
To learn more and get access to services, call the Student and Family Wellness Hotline at (213) 241-3840 on weekdays from 8:00am-4:30pm or visit LAUSD’s School Mental Health webpage.
Crisis Resources: Suicide and Substance Use Disorders
If you or someone you love is in crisis, use these resources to get immediate help.
Click on one of the boxes below to learn more!
If you or someone you care for is having thoughts of suicide, use 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to get immediate, one-on-one assistance from a crisis counselor. Call, text, or chat with a counselor about your own struggles or to get help for someone you love. The lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. No insurance is required and all conversations are confidential.
If you or someone you love is dealing with a substance use disorder, you can explore treatment facilities near you on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website, FindTreatment.gov. Type in your zip code to search for treatment facilities that specialize in mental health and substance use. All facilities are confidential and anonymous.
Other Supportive Resources
Check out other wellness resources offered by the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD).
The City of Los Angeles manages 19 FamilySource Centers (FSCs) to help low-income families establish financial security and build economic success. FSCs offer essential services, including case management, housing stability services, multi-benefit screening, weekly food distributions, parent workshops, financial education and coaching, youth education services, employment support, and immigration resources. Every FSC provides on-site child care for families using services.
FSC services are free for low-income City of LA residents. Locate the FSC nearest to you and call to make an appointment or walk-in. Visit CIFD’s FamilySource Centers webpage to learn more.
CIFD’s Office of Traffic Safety unit runs LA City’s Child Passenger Safety Program and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program. These programs lead workshops and activities on safe car seat installation and safe biking and walking practices. Workshops are offered multiple times a month in different locations across LA City.
For more information and to learn about a workshop near you, visit the Office of Traffic Safety Programs webpage or call Jimmy Valenzuela, OTS program facilitator, at (213) 808-8962.
