Mental Health Treatment in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach is a city defined by resilience. As the second-largest city in Los Angeles County and one of the most diverse in the nation, its nearly 460,000 residents navigate unique pressures—from the demands of port and industrial work to the lasting impacts of intergenerational trauma within its refugee communities.
At Friendly Recovery, we provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health treatment for Long Beach residents through flexible telehealth programs and accessible in-person care at our Tustin facility, just a short drive south on the 405.
Whether you’re a longshoreman managing occupational stress, a CSULB student struggling with anxiety, a veteran transitioning to civilian life, or a parent navigating depression, our Joint Commission-accredited programs are designed to meet you where you are—without disrupting the life you’re working to build.
Why Long Beach Residents Need Accessible Mental Health Care
Long Beach isn’t just another LA suburb—it’s a city with its own identity, economy, and mental health challenges. Understanding what makes Long Beach unique helps explain why flexible, culturally informed treatment matters here.
A Diverse City with Complex Needs
Long Beach is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States. Approximately 43% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, 27% as White, 12% as Asian (including the largest Cambodian community outside of Southeast Asia), and 12% as Black or African American. This diversity is a source of cultural richness—but it also means that mental health care must be culturally sensitive and accessible across language barriers, immigration experiences, and generational differences in how mental health is understood.
The city’s Cambodian community, concentrated along the Cambodia Town corridor on Anaheim Street, includes thousands of families descended from survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Intergenerational trauma, cultural stigma around mental health, and language barriers make it especially difficult for many in this community to access the care they need. Similar challenges exist within Long Beach’s large Latino and Black communities, where systemic barriers and historical mistrust of healthcare systems compound untreated mental illness.
A Working-Class Port City Under Pressure
The Port of Long Beach is the second-busiest container port in the United States, driving a significant portion of the local economy. Thousands of Long Beach residents work as longshoremen, dock workers, truck drivers, warehouse employees, and in related logistics and industrial roles. These jobs come with unique mental health stressors: physically demanding shift work, irregular hours that disrupt sleep and family life, job insecurity driven by port automation, and a workplace culture that often discourages vulnerability.
ILWU members and port workers frequently deal with anxiety, depression, and substance use but face stigma about seeking help. The physically tough, male-dominated work environment can make it feel impossible to admit you’re struggling. Our telehealth and evening IOP sessions are specifically designed to work around the irregular schedules of port and industrial workers—so you can get treatment without sacrificing shifts or income.
Veterans and Military Families
Long Beach is home to the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, one of Southern California’s largest VA healthcare facilities, which speaks to the significant veteran population in the area. While the VA provides critical services, many veterans seek private-sector care for shorter wait times, greater privacy, or specialized programming that addresses conditions like PTSD, military sexual trauma, depression, and substance use in a more individualized setting.
Friendly Recovery offers veterans and their families a complementary option—with flexible scheduling, evidence-based trauma therapies including EMDR, and the ability to begin treatment within 24–48 hours rather than waiting weeks for an appointment.
A Thriving LGBTQ+ Community
Long Beach is widely recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country, home to the LGBTQ Center Long Beach, the Long Beach Pride Festival (one of the largest in the nation), and an active LGBTQ+ business community. Despite this supportive environment, LGBTQ+ individuals still face elevated rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation—often compounded by minority stress, discrimination, and family rejection.
Our clinicians provide affirming, judgment-free care for individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and we understand the unique mental health challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community.
Don’t Wait to Feel Better
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 Programs Available to Long Beach Residents
Mental health treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right level of care depends on the severity of your symptoms, your daily responsibilities, and your personal goals. Friendly Recovery offers a full continuum of outpatient care, allowing you to step up or step down between programs as your needs change.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our Partial Hospitalization Program provides the most intensive level of outpatient care available. PHP is ideal for Long Beach residents who need daily structured support but don’t require 24-hour supervision—whether you’re stepping down from inpatient treatment or experiencing acute symptoms that make it difficult to function day-to-day. PHP typically involves 5–6 days of programming per week, with 5–6 hours of treatment each day. Services include individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and skill-building workshops. Long Beach residents attending PHP in person at our Tustin location can reach us in approximately 25–35 minutes via the 405 South or the 22 Freeway.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program provides structured therapeutic care with more flexibility than PHP. IOP is well-suited for Long Beach residents who need more support than weekly therapy but want to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. The program typically involves 3–5 sessions per week, approximately 3 hours each. Many Long Beach clients participate in our evening telehealth IOP sessions—eliminating the drive entirely while still receiving comprehensive group therapy, individual counseling, and skills development.
Outpatient Program (OP)
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 progress while fully reintegrating into daily life, with 1–3 sessions per week.
Telehealth Mental Health Services
For Long Beach residents, our telehealth mental health services offer the same evidence-based treatment as in-person care—without the commute. Available for both IOP and standard outpatient programs, with evening sessions designed around working schedules. Our secure video platform lets you participate in individual therapy, group sessions, and psychiatric consultations from home. For port workers, shift employees, parents, and students in Long Beach, telehealth removes one of the biggest barriers to consistent treatment: the time it takes to get there.
Comparing Levels of Care
Program | Weekly Hours | Best For | Telehealth |
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 |
Conditions We Treat for Long Beach Residents
Our clinical team has expertise treating a wide range of mental health conditions, with specialized approaches for the challenges most commonly seen among Long Beach’s diverse population.
Mood Disorders
- Depression – Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities
- Bipolar Disorder – Episodes of depression alternating with periods of elevated mood
- Persistent Depressive Disorder – Chronic, long-term depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder – Depression related to seasonal changes
Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Chronic, excessive worry about everyday situations
- Panic Disorder – Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Intense fear of social situations
- Postpartum Anxiety – Anxiety occurring after childbirth
Trauma-Related Disorders
Given Long Beach’s significant veteran population, refugee communities with histories of genocide survival, and the occupational hazards faced by port and industrial workers, trauma-informed treatment is a cornerstone of our approach.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Symptoms following exposure to traumatic events
- Complex PTSD – Trauma from prolonged, repeated experiences, including intergenerational trauma
- Occupational PTSD – Work-related trauma common among first responders, port workers, and healthcare professionals
Additional Conditions
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Adult ADHD
- Personality Disorders including Borderline Personality Disorder
- Thought Disorders including Schizophrenia
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Harm
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many Long Beach residents struggling with mental health conditions also face substance use challenges. Our dual diagnosis program provides integrated treatment addressing both conditions simultaneously—because treating one without the other rarely leads to lasting recovery.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Every treatment modality we offer is grounded in clinical research and proven effective for the conditions we treat. Our clinicians tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs, cultural background, and goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change negative thought patterns contributing to emotional distress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness, teaching distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD that helps the brain process traumatic memories.
Trauma-Informed Care recognizes that trauma impacts every aspect of a person’s life. All programming is delivered through a trauma-informed lens
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) recognizes that trauma impacts every aspect of a person’s life. All programming is delivered through a trauma-informed lens
Additional services include process group therapy, family therapy, mindfulness and meditation training, holistic approaches, and psychiatric medication management.
Why Long Beach Residents Choose Friendly Recovery
- Telehealth eliminates the commute: Skip the 405, the 710, and the 22. Our secure telehealth platform brings treatment to your home, with evening sessions available for port workers, shift employees, and busy professionals.
- Convenient in-person access: Our Tustin facility at 15991 Red Hill Ave, Suite 101 is approximately 25–35 minutes from central Long Beach via the 405 South or 22 East. For those who prefer or need in-person care, the drive puts you in a peaceful, professional environment away from the city.
- Rapid admissions: While county facilities and the VA may have weeks-long waitlists, most Friendly Recovery clients begin treatment within 24–48 hours of their initial assessment.
- Culturally sensitive care: Our team understands the cultural diversity of Long Beach and provides respectful, affirming treatment for individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and life circumstances.
- Confidential environment: For those in industries or roles where privacy matters, our program offers discretion that larger facilities cannot match.
- Full continuum of care: Step up or down between PHP, IOP, and outpatient care as your needs evolve—all with the same treatment team who knows your history and goals.
Serving Long Beach Neighborhoods and Surrounding Communities
Long Beach spans over 50 square miles with distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and needs. Our telehealth services make treatment accessible from anywhere in the city, while our Tustin facility is easily reachable from southern Long Beach neighborhoods.
We serve residents throughout Long Beach, including:
- Downtown Long Beach – Urban core residents and professionals in the arts, hospitality, and convention industries
- Cambodia Town / Eastside – Culturally sensitive care for the Cambodian American community and surrounding neighborhoods
- North Long Beach – Families and working-class residents navigating economic pressures
- Belmont Shore & Naples – Coastal community members dealing with anxiety, depression, and relationship stress
- Bixby Knolls & California Heights – Established neighborhood families seeking discreet, professional care
- Signal Hill – Residents of this Long Beach-adjacent city surrounded by LB
- West Long Beach & Wrigley – Port-adjacent communities with industrial workforce mental health needs
We also serve nearby communities including Lakewood, Cerritos, Carson, Compton, Paramount, and Bellflower through our telehealth programs.
Getting Started with Mental Health 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.
Insurance and Admissions
We accept most major insurance plans, and our admissions team can verify your benefits at no cost and with no obligation.
Insurance We Accept
Friendly Recovery accepts Aetna, Cigna, Health Net, Carelon Behavioral Health, GEHA, and many additional plans. ILWU members with union insurance benefits are encouraged to call and verify their specific coverage for outpatient mental health services.
Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Our admissions team can verify your benefits at no cost and with no obligation.
The Admissions Process
- Free, Confidential Assessment: Call us or complete our online contact form. Our admissions team will conduct a brief assessment by phone or telehealth.
- Insurance Verification: We’ll work with your insurance company to verify benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before you commit.
- Treatment Plan Development: Our clinical team recommends the appropriate level of care and develops a personalized treatment plan.
- Begin Treatment: Most clients start within 24–48 hours. Long Beach residents using telehealth can potentially begin the same day.
Mental Health Resources in Long Beach, CA
Whether or not you become a Friendly Recovery client, these local resources provide additional support for Long Beach residents:
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 – Free, confidential 24/7 support
- LA County Department of Mental Health Help Line: (800) 854-7771 – 24/7 crisis assessments and referrals
- Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services: didihirsch.org – Crisis services throughout LA County
Specialized Support
- Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): (866) 788-7386 – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1
- Teen Line: (800) 852-8336 (6–9pm PT) or text TEEN to 839863
Long Beach-Specific Resources
- Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services – Mental health resource navigation and Medi-Cal enrollment support
- The LGBTQ Center Long Beach – Mental health counseling, legal services, and social support for LGBTQ+ community members (ages 13+)
- VA Long Beach Healthcare System (Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center) – 5901 East Seventh Street – Comprehensive mental health care for veterans including PTSD, depression, and substance use treatment
- Long Beach Office of Veterans Support – Directory of 116+ veteran resource providers including mental health services
- United Cambodian Community (UCC) – Community support, case management, and resource navigation for the Cambodian American community
- NAMI Greater Los Angeles County – Support groups and education for individuals and families: (800) 950-6264
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Treatment in Long Beach, CA
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Do I need a referral to start treatment?
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.
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Can I complete treatment entirely through telehealth from Long Beach?
Yes. Many Long Beach clients complete their entire IOP or outpatient treatment via our secure telehealth platform. Evening sessions are available to accommodate work schedules, including irregular port and shift schedules.
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How far is Friendly Recovery from Long Beach?
Our Tustin facility is approximately 25–35 minutes from central Long Beach via the 405 South or 22 East, depending on traffic. Many Long Beach clients choose telehealth to eliminate the drive entirely.
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Do you accept ILWU insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and encourage ILWU members to call our admissions team to verify their specific coverage. Port workers have access to comprehensive mental health benefits through their union insurance, and we can help you understand what’s covered.
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How long does treatment take?
Treatment duration varies. PHP typically lasts 2–4 weeks, IOP ranges from 6–12 weeks, and outpatient care can continue as long as needed. Your treatment team will work with you to determine the right timeline based on your progress.
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Do you treat both mental health and substance use?
Yes. Our dual diagnosis program addresses co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions together, which research shows leads to better long-term outcomes than treating them separately.
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Do you provide culturally sensitive treatment?
Absolutely. Our team creates a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and life circumstances. We understand the cultural diversity of Long Beach and the unique challenges faced by its refugee, veteran, LGBTQ+, and working-class communities.
Start Your Mental Health Journey from Long Beach
Taking the first step toward treatment takes courage—and 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.
Ready to Take Back Control?
Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
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.
