Bienestar is a community-based social services organization based in the Greater Los Angeles area. Our focus is on identifying and addressing emerging health issues faced by the Latino and LGBTQ populations. Bienestar reaches these unique populations through innovative and compassionate peer-to-peer modeling that is 100% culturally relevant to the communities we serve. We have a diverse staff that meets clients with both understanding and acceptance, building trust and fostering a unique sense of community for those who use our services.
Bienestar's education and support programs encompass areas such as: HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, STIs, mental health services, substance use and harm reduction. All of our services are offered to the community for free.
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Services Offered
Mental Health - Mental health disorders are often some of the most commonly misunderstood conditions in many communities, especially the Latino/a community. When people do not completely understand mental health and disorders, it makes it harder for them to know how to find help if they need it. Mental disorders are very common and many types of treatment are available.
Mental illnesses are serious disorders which affect how you think, how you feel, and how you act. Mental disorders can come from your family health history, having life experiences with trauma, loss of a loved one, a history of substance use or many other factors. Mental health is important at every stage of life from your early childhood to late adulthood.
As a client of Bienestar's Mental Health Program, you will benefit from: - Individual, partner or family therapy sessions - A bilingual mental health therapist or counselor - 6-12 months of long-term mental health treatment - Connections to other health and social support services you may need - Opportunities to join support groups with those who have similar experiences to you - (Optional) Mental health services focused on helping those living with HIV/AIDS - (Optional) Mental health services focused on helping transgender individuals
Substance Use - Substance use refers to anytime someone consumes or uses alcohol or drugs. Using alcohol or drugs is not always negative, but for some people, the use of alcohol and drugs can become harmful for them or those around them. This is known as substance abuse. If the behavior of substance abuse is not treated, it can lead to more serious disorders like addiction or dependence on alcohol or drugs. These types of behaviors can have serious consequences on important parts of that person's life such as their physical or mental health, their work, relationships and family.
Bienestar offers various substance use programs and services to help improve people's quality of life by working closely with clients to improve behavior and psychological well-being. If you or someone you care about needs support in overcoming addiction or a substance use disorder, we can help.
Fees and Payment
All of our services are offered to the community for free.
This is a non-profit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Pro-bono
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.