Over the past several weeks there has been much discussion on public safety and what it means for individuals to truly feel safe in their communities.  As the incidences of police brutality continue to be exposed in this country we are starting to collectively examine and question the role of those whose job it is to protect and serve us. One thing that has become clear is that “safety” looks different to different people and interactions with the police can have varying outcomes depending on who you are. For George Floyd, and many other Black, Brown and mentally ill individuals, interacting with the police lead to their tragic death.

Included in this post are several non-LAPD resources in the Los Angeles area that are available to help in times of crisis. Police officers are not necessarily the most qualified and best-trained people to handle a situation and this list of numbers offers options when help is needed.

“The safest communities don’t have the most cops; they have the most resources”

-Jillian Johnson, Durham Mayor Pro Tempore

Mental Health Resources

Psychiatric Mobile Response Team: 310-482-3260

West LA Psychiatric Emergency Team: 310-966-6500

Crisis Hotline: 800-854-7771

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 310-391-1253

 

Youth Resources

Child Abuse Hotline: 800-540-4000

Boys & Girls Town National Abuse Hotline: 800-448-3000

CA Youth Crisis Hotline: 800-843-5200

 

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Resources

DV/SA Hotline: 800-339-3940

LA County Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-978-3600

 

LA Rape and Battery Hotlines

Central LA: 213-626-3393

South LA: 310-392-8381

West San Gabriel Valley: 626-793-3385

 

People Experience Homelessness Resources

LAHSA Winter Shelter Hotline: 800-548-6047

LAHSA Hotline: 213-225-6581

 

LBTG Resources

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386

 

Substance Abuse Resources:

LA Substance Use Hotline: 844-804-7500

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 800-662-4357

 

Elder Abuse:

Elder Abuse Hotline: 833-401-0832

Adult Protective Service: 800-992-1660

 

- Yume Takeuchi, L.Ac.