LACDMH Help Line: Mental Health Support

The LACDMH Help Line connects students, families, and community members with mental health support, guidance, and local services throughout Los Angeles County.

• Option 1 — Mental Health and Crisis Support: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call for guidance, mental health assessments, crisis support, or referrals to local services.

• Option 2 — Emotional Support Warm Line: Available daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Speak with a trained listener who can offer emotional support when you need someone to talk to.

• Toll-Free Phone Number: (800) 854-7771

• Accessibility Support for People with Hearing or Speech Disabilities: Dial 711 and ask the relay operator to connect you to the LACDMH Help Line at (800) 854-7771.

• Learn More: Visit the official LACDMH website for additional support services and resources.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of crisis centers offering free, confidential emotional support to anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis, emotional distress, or needing someone to talk to. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the United States.

• How to Reach Them: Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. You can also start an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

• Previous Phone Number: The original number, (800) 273-8255, remains active and connects callers to the same crisis support service.

• Support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals: Accessible communication options are available. You can access American Sign Language (ASL) support through a videophone or use TTY services by dialing 711, then 988. For additional options, visit the 988 Hearing Loss Resource Page.

• Local Mental Health Resources: Visit the LACDMH Mental Health Resources Hub for informational guides, printable materials, and community resources.

The Penny Lane TAY Drop-In Center provides a safe, welcoming, and heart-centered space for young adults ages 16–25 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of housing instability. The center offers vital crisis resources, daily essentials, and independent living support to help youth build stable futures. [1, 2]

• On-Site Essentials: Drop-in visitors have access to free hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing, showers, laundry facilities, computers with internet, and weekly bus passes. [1]

• Individualized Support & Linkages: Case managers assist youth with emergency shelter/housing placements, mental health and substance abuse referrals, employment coaching, and GED preparation support. [1]

• Document & Legal Assistance: Get direct help obtaining essential documents like California ID cards, birth certificates, and navigating Social Security Income (SSI) linkages.

• Health & Community Groups: Access safe spaces including LGBTQ+ youth support groups, free HIV testing, and legal or court-approved class linkages.

• Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. [1]

• Location & Contact: 5628 E. Slauson Ave, Commerce, CA 90040 | Phone: (323) 353-6118 (Email: TAY-Com@pennylane.org). [1]

Crisis Text Line – Free, Confidential Emotional Support

Crisis Text Line is a nonprofit organization that provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It connects people with trained volunteer Crisis Counselors who listen and offer support during difficult or overwhelming moments.

• How to Get Help in English: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor.

• How to Get Help in Spanish: Text HOLA or AYUDA to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor for support in Spanish.

• Other Ways to Connect: You can also access support through online chat or WhatsApp. Visit Crisis Text Line to explore these options.

• Topics They Can Help With: Stress, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, substance use, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and other difficult emotions.

• Resources for Youth and Families: Find information and practical guides on managing financial stress, excessive social media use, healthy relationships, and other mental health topics on the Crisis Text Line website.

The Trevor Project – Crisis Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

The Trevor Project provides free, confidential, and judgment-free crisis support and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people. Support is available nationwide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.

• Call for Support: Call 1-866-488-7386 to speak with a trained counselor.

• Text for Support: Text START to 678-678 to connect with a trained counselor through text messaging.

• Online Chat: Start a confidential online chat through The Trevor Project’s Get Help page.

• Support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals: TTY users can call 1-866-803-3699 to access support.

• Additional Resources: Visit The Trevor Project Resource Center for educational information, coping strategies, and resources for LGBTQ+ young people, their families, and allies.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential, and compassionate support to people experiencing domestic violence or abuse in a relationship. Trained advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round to provide crisis support, safety planning, relationship education, and referrals to local shelters and community resources. Language assistance is available in more than 200 languages.

• Call for Support: Call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) to speak with a trained advocate.

• Text for Support: Text START to 88788 to begin a confidential conversation by text.

• Online Chat: Connect with an advocate through the live chat at thehotline.org.

• Specialized Support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives: Contact the StrongHearts Native Helpline by calling or texting 1-844-762-8483 for confidential support related to domestic and sexual violence.

• Support for Teens and Young Adults: Contact love is respect for help with dating abuse and healthy relationships. Call 1-866-331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522, or use the online chat.

• Support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals: The National Deaf Domestic Violence Hotline offers support through videophone at 1-855-812-1001, as well as online messaging and email.

• Digital Safety Notice: Internet activity may be monitored, and browsing history cannot always be completely erased. If you are concerned that someone may be monitoring your device, consider calling for support from a safer phone or device. The website offers a Quick Exit feature, or you can press the Escape key twice to leave the page quickly. This does not guarantee that your browsing history will be erased.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Medi-Cal is California’s public health insurance program, offering free or low-cost medical, dental, and vision care to eligible individuals and families. Reliable health coverage is vital to keeping our students healthy, focused, and ready to learn in the classroom.

• What is Covered: Essential services including routine doctor visits, immunizations, emergency care, prescription medications, mental health support, and dental checkups.

• Apply Online: Families right here in Montebello can easily apply online 24/7 at BenefitsCal.com.

• Apply In Person: Visit our nearest Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) regional site at the Belvedere DPSS Office located nearby at 5445 Whittier Blvd.

• Local Medical Care: For community-based medical care, facilities like the Montebello Family Health Center (2417 W. Whittier Blvd) accept Medi-Cal and can provide direct support for your family's health needs.

• Phone Support: You can ask questions or check your eligibility status year-round by calling the LA County DPSS customer help line at (866) 613-3777.

Montebello Unified School District is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for every student, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Under federal law, all children have the right to access a free public education, regardless of their immigration status. District policies and applicable laws also provide protections for student and family privacy and limit the collection and disclosure of immigration-related information.

Immigration Support and Community Resources

• LA County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA): Provides information and guidance to help families understand their rights, access available services, and avoid immigration-related fraud. Call (800) 593-8222 or (323) 793-7402. Visit Know Your Rights or the OIA website.

• Siempre Unidos LA: A community-based network offering crisis support, rapid-response assistance, emergency food distribution, and other resources for families affected by immigration enforcement. Learn more at siempreunidosla.org.

• CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights): Offers immigration-related information, legal assistance referrals, and support with services such as DACA renewals. Call (888) 624-4752 or visit chirla.org for information about available services.

Caregiver Authorization and Student Enrollment

If you are caring for a child but are not their parent or legal guardian, California's Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit may allow you to enroll the child in school and authorize certain school-related medical care, provided the applicable legal requirements are met. Review the California Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit and consult the school district if you have questions about enrollment or documentation.

Additional Information About Student Rights

For more information about student protections, immigration-related guidance, and resources for families, visit the California Department of Education's Immigration Toolkit.

Families may also contact Montebello Unified School District for information about district policies and available support services.