Los Angeles residents can access free addiction treatment and mental health services at a new center located in Skid Row.
The nonprofit L.A. Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) has expanded to a second, larger location in the area to treat people who are struggling with drug and alcohol use or behavioral problems due to a high demand for services. Short-term housing is being provided off-site for those who remain in treatment.
“We try to give people some hope,” said Dr. Randolph Holmes, the group’s chief medical officer who specializes in addiction treatment.
“These are all human beings that deserve our help as best we can,” he said.
Walk-ins are welcome at the group’s new outpatient center located at 426 S. San Pedro Street. Counselors on staff evaluate clients and offer guidance on services they need.
Some may be referred to a type of residential facility called recovery bridge housing. There are about 200 beds available at multiple locations, which are funded by the county through Measure H.
“There's a limit to the number of people that we can care for just because we only have so many beds,” Holmes said. “So we're always looking for help and funding.”
L.A. CADA accepts insurance and Medi-Cal, and screens all clients for their ability to afford services. No one is turned away if they can’t pay.
“We've seen a lot of success,” said Dakota Brown, a clinical manager with L.A. CADA and licensed marriage and family therapist. He said the organization has expanded significantly from when he first started working there in 2017, from about a dozen therapists on staff to more than 100 this year.
“There's a lot of people who go through our programs and some of them even come back to work with us,” Brown said. “At one point they were homeless and now they're working and living on their own and doing a lot to help the community.”
How to help
L.A. CADA accepts monetary donations, as well as clothing, furniture and other resources. Go to the website to learn more.
Brown says people who use drugs or who struggle with addiction often face discrimination and barriers to getting the help they need.
“One of the biggest ways people can help is by trying to work on the whole stigma surrounding substance abuse treatment and mental health,” he said.
There are many resources available for family members and people struggling with addiction. L.A. County residents can call the toll-free Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH) at 1-844-804-7500. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is free for people who qualify for Medi-Cal, My Health LA and other county programs.
You can also call or text 988 for free emotional and substance use support 24/7.
Upcoming events
L.A. CADA will host a booth at the WeHo Pride Street Fair in West Hollywood on June 1-2, from 12 to 8 p.m. The alcohol-free event will feature music, dancing, games and prizes.
The organization will also participate in a Father's Day event called CARE: "Celebrating Advocacy, Resiliency, and Empathy" on June 9 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Earvin Magic Johnson Community Center. The family-friendly event will feature entertainment, resource booths, food and more.
Locations
L.A. CADA has at least 16 locations, including outpatient centers and residential facilities. For a full list, click here.
Pasadena
Community Outreach Program
3675 Huntington Dr. Suite 101. Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 314-2818
Downtown
Downtown Outpatient and HIV Services Center
426 S. San Pedro St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 626-6411
Downtown Outpatient
305 Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 372-5233
South L.A.
L.A. CADA on Main St.
10924 S. Main St., Suite A. Los Angeles, CA 90061
(323) 880-8159
Long Beach
Long Beach Outpatient & Community
5861 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, CA 90805
(562) 676-4259
4th Street Field-Based Outpatient
1401 E Fourth St. Unit A. Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 606-2664
Santa Fe Springs
Santa Fe Springs Outpatient & Community Services
11015 Bloomfield Ave. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 906-2676
Youth and Family Services
10210 Orr and Day Rd., Suite B. Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 348-0083
