Living with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health challenges can feel overwhelming—especially in a city as demanding as Los Angeles. At Friendly Recovery, we provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment for LA County residents through flexible telehealth options and accessible in-person care at our Tustin facility.
Whether you’re managing symptoms that interfere with daily life, transitioning from a higher level of care, or seeking ongoing support to maintain your mental wellness, our Joint Commission-accredited programs are designed to meet you where you are.
Los Angeles County is home to over 10 million residents—and millions of them are navigating mental health challenges. According to California Department of Public Health data, approximately 1 in 4 adults in the state live with a mental health condition, ranging from mild anxiety to severe, life-altering disorders. Among adolescents ages 12-17, nearly 1 in 3 reported experiencing a mental, emotional, or behavioral problem in the past year.
Despite the significant need, many Angelenos delay seeking treatment. Common barriers include long wait times at county facilities, concerns about stigma, the stress of navigating LA traffic for appointments, and uncertainty about what type of treatment is needed. These obstacles can turn a difficult situation into a crisis.
The good news is that modern mental health treatment has evolved. Today’s programs are more flexible, accessible, and effective than ever before. With options ranging from daily structured programming to weekly therapy sessions—and telehealth making quality care available from your living room—there’s no longer a reason to wait until things get worse.
Understanding the different levels of mental health care is the first step toward finding the right fit for your needs.
This is your time to take action and find the support you deserve. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to start treatment, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Take the first step today.
Mental health treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right level of care depends on the severity of your symptoms, your daily responsibilities, your support system, and your personal goals. At Friendly Recovery, we offer a full continuum of outpatient care, allowing you to step up or step down between programs as your needs change.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program provides the highest level of outpatient care available. PHP is ideal for individuals who need intensive, daily therapeutic support but do not require 24-hour supervision. This level of care is often appropriate for those stepping down from an inpatient or residential program, or for individuals experiencing acute symptoms that significantly impact daily functioning. PHP typically involves 5-6 days per week of structured programming, with 5-6 hours of treatment per day. Services include individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and skill-building workshops. The intensive structure helps stabilize symptoms while allowing you to return home each evening.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program offers a structured therapeutic environment while providing more flexibility than PHP. IOP is well-suited for individuals who need more support than traditional weekly therapy but can maintain daily responsibilities like work, school, or family obligations. The program typically involves 3-5 sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 3 hours. Treatment includes group therapy, individual counseling, psychoeducation, and skill development. Many Los Angeles County clients participate in our evening telehealth IOP sessions, eliminating the need to navigate traffic while still receiving comprehensive care.
Our standard Outpatient Program provides ongoing therapeutic support for individuals who have stabilized from more intensive treatment or who need maintenance-level care. OP allows you to continue building on your progress while fully reintegrating into daily life. Outpatient care typically involves 1-3 sessions per week, focusing on continued skill development, relapse prevention, and addressing life challenges as they arise. This level of care is also an excellent entry point for individuals whose symptoms are manageable but would benefit from professional support.
For Los Angeles County residents, our telehealth mental health services offer the same evidence-based treatment as in-person care—without the commute. Telehealth is available for both IOP and standard outpatient programs, with evening sessions designed to accommodate working professionals. Our secure video platform allows you to participate in individual therapy, group sessions, and psychiatric consultations from the comfort and privacy of your home. Many LA clients find that removing the barrier of traffic and travel time makes it easier to commit to consistent treatment.
PHP | 25-30 hours | Acute symptoms, step-down from inpatient, intensive stabilization | In-person only |
IOP | 9-15 hours | Moderate symptoms, working individuals, transitioning from PHP | Yes |
OP | 1-5 hours | Maintenance care, ongoing support, stable symptoms | Yes |
At Friendly Recovery, we take a whole-person approach to treatment. Rather than simply addressing symptoms, we work with you to understand the underlying factors contributing to your mental health challenges—and develop strategies for lasting wellness. Our clinical team has expertise treating a wide range of conditions, and we specialize in helping individuals with co-occurring disorders who need integrated care.
Mood disorders affect how you feel emotionally and can significantly impact your energy, motivation, and daily functioning. Our treatment programs address:
Anxiety disorders go beyond normal worry, causing persistent fear that interferes with daily life. We provide specialized treatment for:
Traumatic experiences can leave lasting impacts on mental health. Our trauma-informed approach helps individuals heal from:
Many individuals struggling with mental health conditions also face challenges with substance use. Our dual diagnosis program provides integrated treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously—because treating one without the other rarely leads to lasting recovery. Our team understands the complex relationship between mental health and substance use and develops comprehensive treatment plans that address the whole person.
Los Angeles County presents unique mental health challenges that require thoughtful, accessible solutions. As the most populous county in the United States, LA is home to tremendous diversity, opportunity, and creativity—but also significant stressors that can take a toll on mental wellness.
The numbers tell a compelling story. With over 10 million residents spread across 4,300 square miles, Los Angeles County faces substantial mental health needs. Data from the California Department of Public Health indicates that approximately 25% of California adults live with a mental health condition. Among LA County’s homeless population—one of the largest in the nation—nearly 30% report experiencing a serious mental illness.
Access to care remains a significant challenge. County mental health facilities often have long wait times, and the sheer geographic size of LA means that getting to an appointment can involve hours of travel. Many residents, particularly those in South LA, the Eastside, and the South Bay, find that quality private mental health services are concentrated in areas that aren’t easily accessible.
Certain pressures are particularly prevalent in Los Angeles:
Cost of Living and Financial Stress: LA consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the country. Housing costs, in particular, create chronic financial strain that contributes to anxiety, depression, and relationship stress. The pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle while struggling financially is a common theme we address in treatment.
Industry-Specific Pressures: Los Angeles is the center of the entertainment industry, where rejection, irregular income, and intense competition are the norm. We also see significant stress among those working in the gig economy, hospitality, and healthcare—industries that demand long hours with limited job security.
Climate-Related Anxiety: Wildfires, drought, and air quality concerns have become annual stressors for LA residents. Many individuals experience heightened anxiety during fire season, and those who have been directly impacted by evacuations or property loss often struggle with trauma symptoms long after the immediate crisis has passed.
Social and Cultural Pressures: LA’s image-conscious culture can exacerbate body image issues, social comparison, and perfectionism. The pressure to appear successful on social media while struggling privately is a pattern we see frequently in our practice.
We’ve designed our programs with LA County residents in mind:
Telehealth eliminates the commute: Skip the 405, the 101, and the 10. Our secure telehealth platform brings comprehensive mental health treatment to your home, office, or wherever you feel comfortable. Evening sessions are available for those with demanding work schedules.
Accessible location when in-person care is needed: Our Tustin facility is located at 15991 Red Hill Ave, Suite 101—easily accessible from Long Beach, South Bay, Downey, Whittier, and throughout southern LA County via the 5, 605, or 710 freeways. Many clients find that the 30-45 minute drive is worthwhile for in-person programming in a peaceful, professional environment away from the bustle of LA.
Shorter wait times: While county facilities may have weeks-long waitlists, most Friendly Recovery clients begin treatment within 24-48 hours of their initial assessment.
Private, confidential environment: For those in industries where privacy is paramount—entertainment, law, medicine—our program offers discretion that larger facilities cannot match.
Los Angeles County spans over 4,300 square miles, and we understand that access to quality mental health care varies significantly depending on where you live. Whether you’re in the South Bay, the Westside, the San Fernando Valley, or the San Gabriel Valley, Friendly Recovery provides flexible treatment options designed to meet you where you are.
Our telehealth services make comprehensive mental health treatment accessible from anywhere in LA County, while our Tustin facility offers in-person care for those who prefer face-to-face treatment or need a higher level of care like PHP.
We serve residents throughout Los Angeles County, including:
Don’t see your city listed? We serve all of Los Angeles County through our telehealth program. Call us to learn more.
At Friendly Recovery, every treatment modality we offer is grounded in clinical research and proven effective for the conditions we treat. Our clinicians are trained in multiple evidence-based approaches, allowing us to tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs, preferences, and goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress. By understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you can develop healthier ways of responding to challenges.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT is highly effective for emotion dysregulation, self-harm, and relationship difficulties. Skills taught include distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD. EMDR helps the brain process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing healing to occur.
Trauma-Informed Care recognizes that trauma impacts every aspect of a person’s life. All of our programming is delivered through a trauma-informed lens, creating safety and avoiding re-traumatization while supporting healing.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you develop psychological flexibility—the ability to be present, open to experience, and engaged in value-driven action even when difficult thoughts and feelings arise.
Therapy isn’t about someone telling you what to do—it’s a collaborative process where you and your treatment team work together toward your goals. Many clients are surprised to find that therapy feels supportive rather than intimidating, and that real change is possible.
Choosing where to seek mental health treatment is a significant decision. At Friendly Recovery, we’re committed to providing care that is clinically excellent, genuinely compassionate, and practically accessible.
Our treatment team includes licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric professionals with specialized training in mental health and co-occurring disorders. We maintain Joint Commission accreditation—the gold standard in healthcare quality—and stay current with the latest research and best practices in mental health treatment.
Every client receives a comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plan developed by our clinical team. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter approaches; your treatment is designed specifically for you.
We’ve intentionally designed our programs to remove the barriers that keep LA residents from getting help:
Mental health challenges don’t discriminate, and neither do we. Our team creates a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and life circumstances. We understand that seeking help takes courage, and we honor that courage with respect, dignity, and genuine care.
Our core values guide everything we do: empowerment over dependence, integrity and honesty, personal responsibility, respect and collaboration, holistic care, and commitment to growth. You’ll find these values reflected in every interaction, from your first phone call to your final session.
Recovery isn’t always linear. Some people need to step up to a higher level of care during difficult periods; others are ready to step down as they stabilize. At Friendly Recovery, you can move between PHP, IOP, and outpatient care as your needs evolve—all with the same treatment team who knows your history and goals.
We also provide aftercare planning and ongoing support to help you maintain progress long after completing intensive treatment.
We know that navigating insurance and admissions can feel overwhelming when you’re already struggling. Our team is here to make the process as simple as possible.
Mental health treatment is considered an essential health benefit under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which means most insurance plans are required to cover mental health services at the same level as medical and surgical services.
Friendly Recovery accepts most major insurance plans, including:
Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Our admissions team can verify your benefits at no cost and with no obligation.
Getting started is straightforward:
Your first day is designed to help you feel comfortable and oriented:
You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting treatment. That’s what we’re here for.
At Friendly Recovery, we believe everyone deserves access to mental health support—whether or not they become our clients. The following resources provide additional support for Los Angeles County residents:
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
No referral is needed. You can contact Friendly Recovery directly for a free, confidential assessment. Our admissions team will help determine the appropriate level of care for your needs.
During your initial assessment, our clinical team evaluates your symptoms, daily functioning, support system, and personal goals to recommend the most appropriate level of care—whether that's PHP, IOP, or standard outpatient treatment. This assessment can be completed via telehealth, making it convenient for Los Angeles County residents regardless of location.
Yes. Many of our Los Angeles County clients complete their entire treatment via telehealth. This option is available for our Outpatient and IOP programs, with evening sessions available to accommodate work schedules. Our secure video platform provides the same quality care as in-person treatment, without the commute.
Treatment duration varies based on individual needs and the level of care. PHP typically lasts 2-4 weeks, IOP ranges from 6-12 weeks, and outpatient care can continue as long as needed for ongoing support. Your treatment team will work with you to determine the right timeline based on your progress and goals.
Yes. Friendly Recovery specializes in dual diagnosis treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions together using an integrated treatment approach. Research shows that treating both conditions simultaneously leads to better outcomes than addressing them separately.
We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, Cigna, Health Net, and many others. Contact our admissions team or use our online insurance verification form to confirm your specific coverage at no cost.
Most clients begin treatment within 24-48 hours of completing their assessment and insurance verification. We understand that when you're ready to seek help, timely access to care is essential. For LA County residents using telehealth, you can potentially begin treatment the same day.
If our clinical team determines during your assessment that you would benefit from residential or inpatient care, we'll help connect you with appropriate resources. We can also provide step-down care once you complete a higher level of treatment, ensuring continuity in your recovery.
Taking the first step toward mental health treatment can feel daunting—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or something you can’t quite name, our team is here to listen, assess your needs, and help you find the path forward.
Recovery is possible. A more stable, fulfilling life is within reach. And getting started is as simple as a phone call.
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
Our experienced team provides expert IOP, PHP, and outpatient care for individuals in Orange County. We deliver personalized counseling, group therapy, and holistic treatments in a supportive environment designed to improve your life.
Our team is ready to help—call us now!
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