One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
LAUSD's Mental Health Hotline: Who's Calling? About What?
Patrick McCauley, a mental health consultant for the L.A. Unified School District, answers calls to LAUSD's mental health hotline in his garage. (Courtesy of Patrick McCauley)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
In April, we told you about the Los Angeles Unified School District's new mental health hotline, created to help students and families "manage fear, anxiety and other challenges related to COVID-19.”
Now, we have insight into who's calling — and about what.
According to call data provided by the district, the mental health hotline received 581 calls in April.
- 19 callers were students
- 350 were parents
- 303 calls were for "basic resources" (think food, devices, diapers)
- 241 were for general mental health concerns, including "anxiety, stress, sadness, or anger"
- 36 were situations where there was concern someone might harm themselves or others
The numbers speak to just how difficult it can be for school psychologists, counselors, social workers, and psychiatrists to connect with vulnerable students while campuses are closed.
"Services that we're able to provide on the campus in the school mental health clinic are just so vital to so many students," explained Dr. Sheryl Kataoka, a child psychiatrist. "Even more now with coronavirus. Our services in school mental health are even more critical."
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, the LAUSD mental health hotline – (213) 241-3840 – accepts calls from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., in both English and Spanish.
Sponsored message
The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health also has a hotline which is staffed 24/7. That number is (800) 854-7771, or you can text “LA” to 741741.
READ THE FULL STORY:
'How Can I Help You?' Schools Try To Reach Students Struggling With Mental Health During Coronavirus
MORE ON MENTAL HEALTH:
- Why We're Facing A Coronavirus 'Mental Health Pandemic'
- How To Get Past The Coronavirus Crisis Without Losing Your Mental Health
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
