Preliminary estimates recently released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that fatal drug overdoses in the United States will decline for the first time in five years in 2023, but UCLA researcher Joseph Friedman said the new The authors cautioned that the findings should not be interpreted to mean that the U.S. drug and mental health crisis is easing.
Professor Friedman analyzed “deaths of despair” from overdoses, suicides and liver disease caused by alcoholism and found that while death rates have fallen for white Americans, death rates have risen in recent years for people of color in the U.S., particularly Native and indigenous Americans, and black Americans. Illegal opioids such as fentanyl have devastated black and low-income communities in Los Angeles.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons behind substance abuse and suicide, Friedman and other addiction medicine and mental health experts say racial inequality, economic hardship, and historical trauma are contributing factors. They say it is exacerbating problems for marginalized communities.
If you or someone you know is in need of emergency help with mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis, call or text 988 or call the Suicide and Crisis Line Web Visit the site and chat online. For mental health resources and referrals, call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Helpline 24/7 at (800) 854-7771.
Other organizations providing information, counseling and support services include:
Nakeya Fields, a licensed clinical social worker in Pasadena, is the founder of Black, a California coalition that brings together mental health professionals, clients, nonprofits, community groups, and educators to raise awareness of mental wellness. Established the Mental Health Task Force. Her Therapeutic Play Foundation offers activities aimed at improving resilience and coping skills through creative arts, play and sport. We provide individual, couples, group, and family therapy to Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized populations.
The American Indian Counseling Center, a division of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, offers crisis intervention, 24/7 intensive mental health services, and counseling for all ages, as well as physician consultations regarding medications and referrals to culturally relevant support groups. Call (562) 402-0677 and ask to speak to a staff member on duty.
United American Indian Involvement’s Behavioral Health Program provides outpatient substance use disorder treatment and mental health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives living throughout Los Angeles County. Visit our website or call (213) 202-3970.
Melanin and Mental Health provides an online network of Black and Brown mental health providers that you can search by geographic area, type of problem, and desired treatment. You can also filter results by therapist’s ethnic background, specialty, and insurance company.
Black Mental Health Alliance provides confidential referrals to culturally competent mental health professionals from our database of certified therapists.
Painted Brain advocates for mental wellness in underprivileged LA communities by providing self-care, relaxation, therapeutic art and play sessions, support groups, and training for mental health professionals. As part of our peer-led model, many of our staff have experienced mental health issues themselves. The community center and art space is located at 5980 W. Pico Blvd. In Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center provides individual, couples, family, and group therapy, psychiatric care, and support for those struggling with substance use. The centers are located in West Hollywood, East LA’s Mi Centro, Trans Wellness Center near MacArthur Park, and South LA’s Leimert Park neighborhood.
The Los Angeles Community Health Project serves drug users through a harm reduction approach that focuses on providing clean needles as well as education on how to respond to an overdose.
