Seeking Treatment

Where can I go for tips about talking with my teen about drug use?

I understand that a lot of kids and teens use drugs these days. I am concerned that my teen might be turning to illegal drugs or alcohol. Where can I go for tips about talking with my teen about drug use? Also, where could I find out how his or her medications might interact with other substances?

There are a number of places where you can go and people you can talk to for advice, including your child's school counselor, your local hospital outreach program, your local YMCA, or your church or synagogue. To find out about how his or her medications might interact with other substances, you can talk with your doctor, or other knowledgeable professionals, including your local pharmacist, pharmaceutical companies, or reputable mental health care organizations (such as NAMI or NMHA).

The following are a list of websites that could be helpful:

Where can I find details of private treatment facilities?

My child was released from the hospital but we are struggling with having him or her at home, and I am starting to consider placement in a private facility. Where can I go to learn about programs that might help us?

Both NAMI and Regional Center are excellent resources to help you. Also try Healthy City at www.healthycity.org. The Southern California Rainbow Resources Guide, which is available at the Nathanson Center, will also be an excellent resource for you. Finally, for addition recommendations, talk with the case manager or social worker who worked with your family while your child was in the hospital.

Where can I find out about obtaining additional social skills training for my child?

My child has such a difficult time making friends. Where can I find out about obtaining additional social skills training for him or her?

Regional Centers offer social and recreational programs which can develop social interaction and leisure skills, as well as increase your child's community involvement. Contact your local Regional Center for more information.

UCLA also offers Social Skills and intervention programs for teenagers and young adults

What does a 5150 mean?

A 5150 is a legal hold imposed on a person that is be lieved to be in need of involuntary psychiatric treatment in California. The person is believed to be at least one of the following:

How do I contact local shelters and how long can someone stay in one?

My loved one has a mental illness and is homeless. I have been told that the shelters fill up quickly. How do I contact local shelters and how long can someone stay in one?

You can contact the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority's referral service at (800)339-6993, or visit their website at www.lahsa.org for information on local shelters. You can also call the Shelter Hotline at 1-800-548-6047 or TDD: 1-800-660-4026. In the Santa Monica area Step Up on Second is a good organization for those with persistent or severe mental illness: www.stepuponsecond.org or 310-394-6889

Is it possible to have more than one diagnosis?

I was told that my loved one had one diagnosis and now another doctor is telling me that she has a different diagnosis. Is it possible to have more than one diagnosis?

It is possible to have more than one diagnosis; however, questions related to diagnosis are best answered by your doctor.

Where can I go to find reliable information on a diagnosis of mental illness?

I am familiar with the internet, and comfortable working on the computer, but I understand that many websites are not credible. Where can I go to find reliable information on a diagnosis of mental illness?

The following reputable National Mental Health organizations, each with their own websites, are good places to go for reliable information on mental illnesses:

My discharge summary has not been sent to me. How do I follow up?

My loved one was released from the hospital and I was told that the discharge summary would be mailed to me, but it hasn't arrived yet. Who can I talk to if I want to follow up on this matter?

You should contact the case manager or social worker who was working with your loved one in the hospital.