Fatal overdoses in the U.S. fell for the first time in five years in 2023, according to preliminary estimates recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but UCLA researcher Joseph Friedman cautions that the new findings should not be interpreted to mean that the nations drug and mental health crises are diminishing.
Friedman has analyzed deaths of despair from overdose, suicide, and liver disease due to alcoholism and found that while death rates for white Americans have decreased, rates have increased in recent years among people of color in the U.S., especially among Native Americans and blacks. . Illegal opioids like fentanyl have devastated black and low-income communities in Los Angeles.
While it’s hard to pin down the exact reasons behind substance abuse or suicide, Friedman and other experts in addiction medicine and mental health say racial inequality, economic distress and historical trauma have exacerbated those problems in marginalized communities.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help for a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis, call or text 988 or chat online by visiting the Suicide and Crisis Lines website. For mental health resources and referrals, call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health 24/7 Helpline at (800) 854-7771.
Here are other organizations that offer information, advice and support services:
Nakeya Fields, a licensed clinical social worker in Pasadena, founded the Black Mental Health Task Force, a coalition that brings together mental health professionals, clients, nonprofits, community organizations, educators and others in California to raise awareness about mental well-being. Her Therapeutic Play Foundation offers activities designed to improve resilience and coping skills through creative arts, play and sports. He provides individual, couples, group and family therapy to Black, Latino, LGBTQ+ and other members of marginalized populations.
The American Indian Counseling Center, a division of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, provides crisis intervention, intensive mental health services and counseling 24/7 for all ages, as well as medication consultations and group referrals important cultural supports. Call (562) 402-0677 and ask to speak with the operator on duty.
The United American Indian Inclusions 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 the website or call (213) 202-3970.
Melanin and Mental Health offers an online network of black and brown mental health care providers searchable by geographic area, type of problem, and treatment sought. It is also possible to filter results by race and therapist specialty, as well as by insurance carrier.
The Black Mental Health Alliance provides confidential referrals to culturally competent mental health professionals who are in its database of licensed therapists.
Painted Brain advocates for mental wellness in underserved LA communities by providing self-care, relaxation and therapeutic art and play sessions, support groups and training for mental health professionals. As part of its peer-led model, many of the staff have experienced mental health issues themselves. Its community center and art space is located at 5980 W. Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center offers individual, couple, family, group therapy and psychiatric care, as well as support for people struggling with substance use. The center has locations in West Hollywood, Mi Centro in East LA, its Trans Wellness Center near MacArthur Park, and in South LA’s Leimert Park neighborhood.
The Los Angeles Community Health Project provides services to people who use drugs through a harm reduction approach that emphasizes the provision of clean needles as well as education on how to respond to an overdose.
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