Los Alamos Family Council is more than a counseling center. LAFC also operates two Youth Activity Centers.
The Youth Activity Centers are a natural part of LAFCs mission to enhance the quality of life through prevention of substance use and abuse. The programming focus of the Activity Centers is on youth resiliency, a safe, supervised environment and positive adult role models. There are two Youth Activity Centers (YAC)-one in Los Alamos on the east side of Ashley Pond and one in White Rock located behind the White Rock Library.
Services Offered
Individual, Group and Family Counseling - Counseling is available for adults, adolescents, children and families for a full range of mental health, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. All of our therapists encourage family-centered therapy if the client is willing.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse - We offer individual, group and intensive out patient therapy for adults with alcohol and/or substance abuse disorders. Ancillary individual, couples and family therapy are available as well as aftercare and relapse prevention. The IOTP Program is a 90-hour program with focus on emotional regulation, substance abuse education and relapse prevention. We use the Matrix Model materials.
Fees and Payment
Affordable Services available through these insurances: * Centennial Care (New Mexico Medicaid Expansion Program) * Los Alamos Health Care Assistance Program (formerly Indigent Health) * State funding for low-income adult mental health and substance abuse services. * We also see private insurance clients with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Presbyterian.
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.
