Pacific Asian Counseling Services (PACS) is a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles dedicated to healing people with mental illness through counseling and caring. The agency serves people of all ethnicities but we are especially proud of our expertise with refugee and immigrant Asian Pacific Islander populations.
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Services Offered
PACS believes people with mental illness can recover and lead productive lives in their community. Our staff is caring and kind. They provide an array of mental health services that are culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate to respond to the diversity of our clients whether they are Asian, Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic or white.
Our outpatient services range from early interventions to intensive services depending on the needs of the individual or family. PACS works with a wide range of age groups from birth to adults in three locations in Los Angeles County as well as collaborating in several countywide programs. Whether the treatment is individual therapy or an evidence based practice, we partner with the consumer to find the most effective care.
*Assessment, diagnosis and treatment for adults with chronic and severe mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar and major depressive disorders or schizophrenia. *Intervention and treatment for children who are at-risk for abuse and/or neglect or have been abused. *Provide treatment to children with severe emotional or behavioral disorders such as conduct disorders, violent classroom behavior, suicidality, or self mutilation. *Both children and adults receive a comprehensive continuum of care from outpatient to field based services. *Psychiatric consultation and medication support for ongoing clients. *An array of evidence based practices for focused, shorter-term treatment for children when appropriate *Provide treatment for co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues. *Case management for ongoing clients to access resources for housing, enrollment for SSI benefits, health care, insurance enrollment and vocational services. *Peer, family and peer advocates to support clients and family members when possible.
Services are provided in our agency's offices but also in the client's home or a school setting.
Fees and Payment
Our clients are MediCal eligible or low-income. Your donation makes it possible for PACS to provide services not covered under other funding sources.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono Medicare Medicaid
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Qualifying for assistance from California's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to California's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.