Dept. of Mental Health Offers Supportive Services and Resources to Those Impacted by Recent Mass Shooting Incidents

LOS ANGELES — In response to the mass shooting incident that took place in Monterey Park Jan. 21, alongside similar recent tragedies in Northern and Central California, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health  or LACDMH is providing services and resources to support the mental health and well-being of victims, their loved ones, communities, Los Angeles County residents and others who are impacted and need assistance. Language-specific mental health resources are available on this page on the LACDMH website.  

Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Interim Director of LACDMH, provided the following statement regarding the Monterey Park incident’s effect on mental health, particularly among the Asian-American Pacific Islander or AAPI community:

“In the aftermath of the Lunar New Year’s Eve mass shooting in Monterey Park, it is critical to recognize and respond to the emerging mental health and well-being needs of the victims, their loved ones, survivors and the community. There was a time when we really didn’t know much about the after effects of mass shootings, but we now have a growing body of research that tells us that these events can be associated with a variety of adverse psychological outcomes in survivors and proximal community members. Even for those who are indirectly exposed, there can be increases in fears and anxiety, along with declines in perceived safety and the community’s general sense of well-being. These effects are amplified when there have been multiple trauma exposures, or vulnerabilities in the population, such as with the AAPI population, who have not only experienced the COVID pandemic and associated losses, but also the significant increase in anti-AAPI hate crimes. Additionally, the time when this senseless tragedy occurred can have an impact as well – it happened during the time when many people were celebrating the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday of the year for many in the AAPI community. In response, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health has set up dedicated crisis resources and is developing outreach and interventions which will focus on needs going forward.”

LACDMH encourages L.A. County residents and community members to seek help if they or their loved ones are experiencing mental or emotional distress by calling LACDMH’s Help Line at 800-854-7771 as well as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, both available 24/7.

Details: https://dmh.lacounty.gov.