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Dear Friends,
COVID-19 has created many changes in our communities and at PACS. Given the Stay/Safe at Home order issued by the State, we plan to continue to provide services while protecting the health and safety of our staff and clients.
One change is the temporary closure of our offices to the public. Our staff will be providing mental health services and business operations remotely. The process of using telehealth and the telephone with HIPAA compliant tools began over a week ago. Now nearly all of our services have been moved off-site. Emergency situations are handled on a case by case basis.
We are especially concerned for our child and older adult clients. We check with them to assess for food insecurity, strategies to help with social isolation and information in language if they are monolingual.
The Stay/Safe at Home order will not prevent us from helping the people and families in our care. At the same time, we will be doing our part to help limit the risk of spreading COVID-19.
We encourage you to take care of yourself and each other. Thank you for your support.
Warmly,
Mariko Kahn
Executive Director
Pacific Asian Counseling Services Welcomes You PACS Creating Possibilities Pacific Asian Counseling Services (PACS) is a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles dedicated to healing people with mental illness through counseling and caring. The agency serves people of all ethnicities but we are especially proud of our expertise with refugee and immigrant Asian Pacific Islander populations. The staff strives to be linguistically diverse and culturally sensitive. Our clients are MediCal eligible or low-income. PACS is here to help people overcome emotional challenges so they can lead productive and meaningful lives PACS SUPPORT FOR ALL
SERVICES Your donation makes it possible for PACS to provide services not covered under other funding sources. Make a difference and donate today! Enriching the lives of children and families through counseling and caring. We provide an array of mental health services that are culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate to respond to the diversity of our clients. Learn more about our services and programs. Click Here to Donate

Our Mission Pacific Asian Counseling Services (PACS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization. Our mission is to enrich the lives of children and families through counseling and caring. We provide culturally sensitive and language specific services with expertise in the immigrant Asian Pacific Islander populations. As of July 2011, there were over 10 million inhabitants in the County of Los Angeles. APIs are about 15.5% of the total and are reported as the fastest growing ethnic population. Many of our clients are refugees or immigrants who have suffered greatly to reach this country. Our History PACS started as a response to a 1981 UCLA study by Dr. Harry Kitano that showed the mainstream public did not perceive Asian Americans as having social problems. Coupled with the low number of Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs) who used social and public health services, most social service agencies had not developed programs for APIs. They thought there was no need but they were wrong. Without culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate programs, APIs did not seek services.
The Assistance League of Southern California founded “WRAP Family Services” as a pilot project on Pico Blvd. to address the lack of social services for APIs in Los Angeles by focusing on community outreach. In 1990, the agency moved to Westchester and expanded its services to include Family Preservation, CalWORKs, and became a member of the API Alliance in 1991. In 1994, it added an Adult Services contract.

In 1997, PACS divested and incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) so the organization could respond more directly to the mental health and social services needs of the API communities. At that time, the agency focused on children with its primary funding source from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health through its EPSDT contracts. In 1999, it opened a second office in San Fernando Valley and in 2000, a third office in Long Beach.

In January 2006, the agency changed its name to “Pacific Asian Counseling Services” (PACS) to better reflect its services. Over the years, PACS has served thousands of low-income children, families and adults from all ethnicities such as APIs, Hispanixs and African Americans.

Located at three sites, PACS covers a large section of LA County including Long Beach, Carson, the South Bay Cities, Hawthorne, Inglewood, South Central, West Los Angeles areas such as Mar Vista, Venice, Culver City, Santa Monica and Westchester, and the San Fernando Valley including Van Nuys, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, and Canoga Park.

One of the unique features of the organization is its multilingual and multi-cultural perspective. With over 45 different Asian languages in the County, PACS is committed to hiring bilingual and bicultural staff because language and cultural sensitivity are identified barriers to accessing care. Generally, there are staff who speak English, Spanish, Cantonese, Japanese, Khmer (Cambodian), Korean, Mandarin, Samoan, Tagalog (Pilipino), Thai and Vietnamese.

During the Fiscal Year 2018-2019, PACS had 849 clients and provided 16,513 counseling sessions. Approximately 50% of the clients were children between infancy to 21 years in age while the other 50% were between 22 and 65 years of age. The ethnic breakdown was 41% Hispanix, 23% APIs, 23% African American, 10% White, 2% Other (usually self-identified as mixed or biracial) and 1% Unknown. The FY2019-2020 budget is nearly $7.4 million with increased contract funding to serve the homeless and recently incarcerated.
Board Members & Advisory Council David K. Lee, Project Manager, Northrop Grumman
Roxana Lewis, Certified Travel Agent, ProTravel International
Van Ly, CPA, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Craig Lyn, Business Systems Analyst
Joseph Manalili, Environmental Attorney, Federal Aviation
ADVISORY COUNCIL 2019-2020 PACS Board of Directors
Honorary Governors
John Hatakeyama, Retired Deputy Chief of Children’s Services, Dept. of Mental Health
Emily Takeuchi, Founder of PACS (formerly WRAP Family Services)
Richard Wong, Originated the concept of WRAP Family Services
Chair - Janet Takushi, Trade Compliance Coordinator, Hurley International LLC
Nancy Au, Former Executive Director of PACS
Pasin Chanou, Retired Systems Developer, United Launch Alliance
Way-Ting Chen, Blue Garnett Associates
Jason Chen, CPA
Alex Fukui, Legal Department, California Bank & Trust
Sally Jeun, President (Corporate Communications Advisor, Southern California Edison)
Peter Domagas, Vice President (Project Manager, Southern California Gas Company)
Calvin Lee, CFO (Sr. Project Manager, Oversight and Quality Assurance, Southern California Edison)
Anne Fisher, Secretary (Manager, Capital Group)
Executive Director Vicki Lau Joycelyn Manzano Mariko Kahn, LMFT Tony Figueroa, LCSW Director of Human Resources Clinical Director Chief Operating Officer Staff

How Do We Serve • MediCal eligible children and adults
• Family members so they can better understand
• the mental health issues of their loved ones
• Ethnic and/or underserved communities
If you have a language need, please let us know at the time you call so we can assist you with the appropriate bilingual staff member. Provides culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate mental health services. Depending on staffing and location, our language capacity includes:

Who Do We Serve Lean more Chinese (Cantonese, Taiwanese and Mandarin) English Thai Korean Taglog (Filipino) Japanese Spanish Samoan Khmer (Cambodian) Vietnamese
Areas of Service Counseling Individual, couple, family and group counseling are offered to assist clients in: • Addressing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, etc.
• Psychiatric consultation and medication support for ongoing clients
• School related concerns such as disruptive classroom behavior, ADHD, etc.
• Co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues
• Trauma recovery
• Grief and bereavement issues
• Improving interpersonal communication
• Bridging the cultural and generational gap in families
• Conflict resolution
• Adjusting to situational stress from divorce, job loss, relocation, etc.
Case Management Clients are provided with individualized case management services to assist them in accessing and interfacing with needed resources such as: • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Assistance to clients and their families who are enrolling or appealing eligibility for SSI benefits.
• Schools – Assistance to monolingual and limited English speaking parents to communicate with school personnel about their child.
• Assistance to enroll in low cost insurance programs such as Healthy Famililes and Healthy Kids.
• Vocational services – Assistance in the preparation for employment, GED and/or post employment services.
• Linkage to immigration and legal services
• Provide translation services and interpreters for PACS’ monolingual and limited English speaking clients.

Programs • Families that have a child(ren) in the home who has been deprived of parental support or care because of the absence, disability or death of either parent.

• Families with a child(ren) when both parents are in the home but the
principal earner is unemployed.

• Needy caretaker relatives of a foster child(ren)
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) CalWORKs is an adult program that uses Supported Employment to apply the evidenced-based practice of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help clients compete in the workforce. IPS is an intensive multidisciplinary team approach; each team consists of a Clinical Coordinator, Clinicians, a Case Manager, and an Employment Specialist. Weekly Team meetings are held and a team approach is vital to the success of the program which is to remove barriers to employment or education. This program offers the mandatory “Life Skills Group” for CalWORKs participants and there are other optional groups available (I.E a Depression Group, and our newly formed Anger Management Group). Services are individualized, focused on Client strengths, and long-lasting. Treatment is usually < 12 months. Currently, we offer the “Life Skills Group” for CalWORKs participants as well as other optional groups such as the Depression Group and the Anger Management Group. BACKGROUND: The CalWORKs program is a time-limited program that provides financial assistance to eligible needy families with (or expecting) children to help pay for housing, food, utilities, clothing, medical care, and other necessary expenses. • With the passage of Welfare Reform in 1996, and the later implementation of California’s CalWORKs Program in January 1998, the receipt of cash assistance in California became subject to a 24-month time limit for most adults. The 24-month time clock starts as soon as the participant's aid is approved • Domestic Violence services including counseling, medical and public health information, parenting skills training, financial planning and relocation activities;
• Substance Abuse services including evaluation and treatment;
• Mental Health services (depression, anxiety, etc.) including assessment, case management, treatment and rehabilitation
Time Limits: Specific eligibility requirements take into account an applicant's citizenship, age, income, resources, assets and other factors. Generally, services are available to: Supportive Services for persons to overcome employment barriers: PACS SUPPORTIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO CalWORKs CLIENTS PACS offers supportive mental health services to CalWORKs participants in Service Area 5 and Service Area 8. Clients are referred by their Gain Social Worker (GSW) at Department of Social Services (DPSS). At the time of admission, a thorough clinical assessment will be completed which include information about presenting problems, symptoms, psychiatric history, daily functioning, work history and screening for co-morbid substance abuse. This information will be used to determine an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. The focus of intervention will be to minimize or eliminate barriers to successful employment or education. Planning and coordination of these services will be developed with input from the client to incorporate their short and long term treatment goals. These goals will be reviewed once every three months by the clinician and the client. PACS determines the level of care to remove the barriers to employment. This may include any of the following: individual therapy, conjoint therapy, family therapy, group therapy, participation in the “Life Skills Support Group” curriculum, evidence-based practices, medication support services by a staff psychiatrist, crisis intervention, case management including linkages that move clients towards self-sufficiency and other rehabilitation services. PACS uses Supported Employment to apply the evidenced-based practice of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help clients compete in the workforce. IPS is an intensive multidisciplinary team approach; each team consists of a Clinical Coordinator, Clinicians, a Case Manager, and an Employment Specialist. A team approach and weekly team meetings are vital to the success of the program to remove barriers to employment or education. Treatment is usually about 12 months. Services are individualized, focused on client strengths, and long-lasting. The IPS Program at PACS has maintained a consistently strong success rate. “The services PACS offer have been very supportive…very positive assisting me with my everyday life. The services provided feel customized to me the client. My case management team is awesome… my employment specialist (focused on helping maintain work and assist with any obstacles that may arise i.e. clothing or transportation) and case manager who offers assistance with…my search for safe and decent housing.” -LR “Until I came here I had no faith in the system at all…. But you guys, you’re different…you have really helped me. I know you guys care.” - MN
Programs INC Video WHY CAMBODIANS IN LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA? “The INC staff make PACS a place that I look forward to coming to, it’s my second home...I feel like I’m family.” Client S.V Client quotes: "I use to be afraid to go out but now I jump at the opportunity to go out." E.H., client Integrated Network for Cambodians (INC) The Integrated Network for Cambodians (INC) is a Community-Designed Integrated Service Management (ISM) Model funded by the Mental Health Service Act. PACS received a four year contract to provide integrated behavioral, physical and substance services to Cambodians of all ages with a geographical focus in the Long Beach area. "The INC staff make PACS a place that I look forward to coming to, it's my second home...I feel like I'm family." S.V., client With its community partners, there is outreach and engagement, education, linkage, and advocacy services to the underserved Cambodian population. Together they work to overcome the stigma associated with mental illness and remove some of the barriers to care with culturally sensitive care and linguistically appropriate services. The model redefines public mental health services by working directly within the community with collaborations between agencies and non-traditional service providers. Spiritual traditions such as the use of the Buddhist Blessing Ceremony and mindful meditations as well as healing practices such as acupuncture are used as part of the treatment modality along with Western counseling services. To be enrolled as a client in INC, the individual must meet the medical necessity criteria for special mental health services and either have a general medical condition that requires ongoing care and/or a substance abuse issue. If you qualify, counseling services and substance abuse treatment will be at no cost to you. For medical treatment, clients will be seen at low cost to no-cost depending on which program they are eligible for at the clinic. PACS is the lead agency for INC, providing mental health services and The Children’s Clinic, “Serving Children and Their Families” (TCC) is the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The five community partners were chosen for their services and knowledge of the Cambodians in Long Beach. The partners provided outreach, education and engagement (OEE) with its community navigators. 1. Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP): Since 1972, it has served all populations of all ages affected by drug and alcohol problems in LA County with a special focus on APIs. Its outpatient treatment program includes: individual, group and family counseling; drug screening; drug diversion; assistance with child protective services and probation, and a residential program. 2. Cambodian Association of America (CAA): Founded in 1975, it is recognized as the oldest and largest Cambodian organization in the U.S. CAA works with low socio-economic Cambodians and provides counseling, education and training services for all age groups, especially older adults as well as social services and cultural activities. 3. Families in Good Health at St. Mary Medical Center (FiGH): Since 1987, it has served APIS in all age groups especially Cambodians. FiGH has three core priority areas to increase health access: 1) maternal/family-child health; 2) chronic disease prevention and management; and 3) youth health development. 4. Khmer Girls in Action (KGA): Started in 1977, it serves Cambodian youth ages 13-21 (80percent female; 20percent male). It works to decrease teen pregnancy, substance abuse, peer and family violence, school drop-out, eating disorders and depression through programs that provide tutoring, college counseling, life skills, parent engagement groups and the use of art and media to heal. The largest population of Cambodians outside their home country is in Long Beach and it is the symbolic and physical center of the scattered Cambodians of the world (Needham and Quintiliani, 2007). 5. United Cambodian Community (UCC): Started in 1977, it has a history of serving low socio-economic Cambodian clients by providing: food distribution, tutoring for children and adolescents, youth leadership groups, substance abuse education, Literacy/ESL classes, education on health issues such as hepatitis and diabetes, enrollment in Medi-Cal and Medicare and advocacy for the community. PACS selected this Southeast Asian group because of the tremendous need and disparity in accessing care. The 2010 Census data showed over 37,000 Cambodians living in Los Angeles County and it is widely accepted that nearly 90 percent of Cambodians reside in Long Beach. Due to undercounting and the population’s fear of the government, many conjecture that the number is closer to 50,000. The 2007-2009 American Community Survey found that Cambodians in LA County have the following key indicators: a) linguistic isolation with 85 percent of the 32,631 Cambodians identified as speaking other than English and of that 50.6 percent are identified as speaking English less than very well; b) 44.1 percent over 16 years old are unemployed; and c) out of 7,989 households 14.6 percent have Social Security at about $12,591 annually, 20.5 percent have SSI at about $11,003 and 12.5 percent have cash public assistance of $5,737. The most recent California Student Substance Abuse Survey showed that Southeast Asians (SEA), including Cambodians ranked first among all API groups for cocaine and meth use. A 2002 community survey of Southeast Asian refugees in the U.S. reported that 59 percent of Laotians, Cambodians and Vietnamese met the criteria for pathological gambling. The Innovation Plan strives to find: Much has been written of the tragedy that unfolded in Cambodia when in 1975 the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia. One of their first acts was to physically remove all the citizens from the cities into the countryside as part of their re-education plan. Millions of people were put into segregated work camps. By the time the Vietnamese invaded Cambodia in 1978 and ended the Khmer Rouge regime, over two million men, women and children had died from starvation, disease, abuse, torture, overwork, and just plain murder (Chandler, 1991; Kiernan, 1996). It is within this context that one begins to understand the waves of Cambodian evacuees who came to the United States and the level of trauma these refugees suffered. The fact that on July 3, 2007, the Cambodian community successfully lobbied for the recognition of the cultural designation of “Cambodia Town” from the City of Long Beach is a tribute to their resilience and commitment.  Develop creative ways to increase a community’s access to integrated care
 Identify and develop strategies to overcome stigma
 Educate the community about mental health (emotional well-being)
 Overcome disparity for underserved communities
INC began in the last quarter of FY2011-2012 and with a fourth year extension, it will end in FY14-15. The “Integrated Network for Cambodians” (INC) is funded by
the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
under the Mental Health Service Act (MHSA).
History of the Mental Health Service Act and ISM: In November 2004, the voters of California approved Proposition 63 to levy a 1% income tax on individuals whose income was above $1 million per year to help provide services to people with mental illness. This became known as the Mental Health Service Act (MHSA) which had five different components, one of which was Innovation. In 2010, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health issued a Request for Proposal for four Innovation programs. One of them was the “Community Designed Integrated Service Management Model” which was shortened to the ISM Model which funded 14 ISM ethnic communities. Four of these were designated for API communities – Cambodian, Chinese, Korean and Samoan. “I like this program because the clients explode with a whole basket of things they need and we can help them.” V.T., Community Navigator “I use to be afraid to go out but now I jump at the opportunity to go out.” Client E.H.
Programs ADULT API FSP COUNTYWIDE COLLABORATIVE The Full Service Partnership (FSP) “Our family was saved,” said a family, whose daughter refused to leave her home and struggled with mental health issues after witnessing two deaths in her community. Now their daughter attends school every day, her grades have improved, and she is on a dance team. Since 2005, the Full Service Partnership (FSP) program was designed to serve mental health clients and their families under the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The core principles are client and family-driven mental health services within the context of a partnership between the client and provider; accessible, individualized services and supports tailored to a client’s readiness for change that leverage community partnerships; delivery of services in a culturally competent manner, with a focus for wellness, outcomes and accountability. It was established with a “Whatever It Takes” philosophy that means finding the methods and means to engage a client, determine his or her needs for recovery, and create collaborative services and support to meet those needs. • Crisis intervention and stabilization services;
• Intensive case management programs;
• Medication support and monitoring services;
• Outpatient, home-based mental health intervention;
• Augmented services;
• Comprehensive pre-vocational and vocational training and support programs;
• Wellness centers that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
Providers must have the ability to respond to the client or family member 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using this best practice service strategy will reduce negative outcomes for clients such as hospitalizations, incarcerations or evictions. Inherent in the term full service partnership is the idea of being fully served and providing an integrated service experience. • A co-occurring disorder or health condition
• Homeless and/or at-risk of homelessness
• Not currently served by the mental health system due to geographic, cultural isolation
• Are without peer, family or community support
• Living in institutional care
• Incarcerated or has frequent contact with the criminal justice system
• Living at home, in residential care or sober living facilities and not receiving the appropriate care that result in exacerbation of mental illness conditions
CHILD API FSP COUNTYWIDE COLLABORATIVE API Adults with serious mental illness who also may have one or more of the following conditions: PACS is proud to be part of a countywide collaborative that provides FSP services to Asian Pacific Islanders in over twelve API languages. Under the lead of Special Services Group, PACS, Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Center, Asian Pacific Family Center, the API Alliance, Asian Pacific Coastal and Asian Pacific Long Beach provide a continuum of coordinated and culturally competent mental health services to assist API individuals with severe mental illness in all phases of recovery should include, but are not limited to: Referrals are from jail, Metropolitan hospital, acute hospitals, IMDs, DMH, court mental health program and other outpatient programs. Once enrolled, the API FSP Team is designated as the Single-Fixed Point of Responsibility, to coordinate and advocate for mental health and other services in LA County. The API FSP team provides a central entity for referring sources to link members to services, and an advocate for members and families to navigate the myriads of resources in the community. “Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.” Dorothy Thompson What are Full Service Partnership (FSP) programs offered by the API Child Collaborative for children? Each member has a Wellness & Recovery Plan with augmented services through referrals and linkages, and augmented services through joint endeavors between the affiliated mental health facilities and community-based organizations Each member has a Wellness & Recovery Plan with augmented services through referrals and linkages, and augmented services through joint endeavors between the affiliated mental health facilities and community-based organizations FSP Program Services  Counseling for your child and family members.
 Peer support from people with experiences similar to yours.
 Transportation that gets you and your child to where you need to go for services.
 Help with access to physical health care for your child and family members.
 Housing services that help you find suitable housing for your family.
 Assistance getting financial and health benefits for which your child and family are eligible.
 Substance abuse and domestic violence counseling and assistance.
 A team dedicated to working with your child and family as you plan and accomplish goals that are important to your health, well-being, safety and stability.
What is different about FSP’s compared to other services? The API Child Collaborative is capable of services beyond the scope of traditional clinic-based outpatient mental health services. Those participating will have the support of a service provider 24/7 and crisis services. Interested in FSP Services? ♦Has been or is at risk of being removed from home by Child Protective Services;
♦Has a parent/caregiver with a mental illness and/or substance abuse problem;
♦Has extreme behavior problems at school;
♦Has been in out-of-home placement and is moving back into a home/community setting.
♦Has a co-occurring substance abuse disorder.
♦Is on probation and taking psychotropic medication.

FSP programs offered by the API Child Collaborative can provide comprehensive, intensive mental health services for children and families in their homes and communities. If you need this program, below are some services your family might receive from an FSP program: “The FSP program has been helpful. It helped me with housing, to get a job and help me get back my mental health.” Client An API child age 15 and under with a serious emotional disturbance (SED) who: Interested in FSP Services? To be considered for Children’s FSP program services, a referral request must be submitted
to one of the partners -- APCTC, APFC, KYCC, or PACS -- who will forward it to the FSP child navigator for approval and assignment to agency that has the appropriate language and cultural support for the child and his/her family.
Programs Evidence-based practice (EBP) Here is a list of our current EBPs. FAMILY CONNECTIONS (FC) TRAUMA FOCUSED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (TF-CBT) PACS uses evidence-based practice (EBP) as part of its treatment modalities and many of its clinicians are trained in more than one EBP. Increasingly the trend in public mental health is towards the use of these tested practices with measurable outcomes. For children and adolescents ages 3 to 18 who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties related to traumatic life events. Children and parents learn new skills to help process thoughts and feelings related to traumatic life events; manage and resolve distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and enhance safety, growth, parenting skills, and family communication. For children ages 0 to 18. This community defined evidence model helps families meet the basic needs of their children and reduces the risk of child neglect. The core components include home-based family interventions, individual and family counseling, service coordination referrals targeted towards risk and protective factors, and multi-family supportive recreational activities. The FC team provides assessment, case management, medication support, parenting education and advocacy. CHILD PARENT PSYCHOTHERAPY (CPP) For children ages 0 to 6. CPP uses a treatment approach that is designed to restore the child-parent relationship. It works to improve the child’s mental health and development that has been damaged by traumatic events. It is an early intervention for children who may be at risk for acting-out and experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or trauma. INDIVIDUAL COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (Ind. CBT) For TAY (18-25), adults and Older Adults. This is an intervention for those who are at-risk for symptoms related to anxiety, depression and the effects of trauma. Ind. CBT focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions and behaviors while improving emotional regulation and the development of coping strategies. MANAGING AND ADAPTING PRACTICES (MAP) For children ages 2 to 19. The MAP system is designed to improve the quality, efficiency, and outcomes of children’s mental health services by giving the mental health workers easy access to the most current scientific information and by providing user-friendly monitoring tools and clinical protocols. Using an online database, the system can suggest formal evidence-based programs that can provide detailed recommendations about discrete components of evidence-based treatments relevant to a specific child’s characteristics.

MAP has proved successful with children and adults who have significant emotional problems (e.g., symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, disruptive behavior or depression).
NURTURING PARENTING PROGRAM (NPP) For children ages 0 to 18. NPP is a family-centered trauma-informed initiative designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive parenting practices. The long term goals are to prevent negative parenting cycles by teaching positive parenting behaviors. SEEKING SAFETY (SS) For children age 13 or older and adults who have experienced trauma recently or in the past such as abuse, domestic violence, or loss of a loved one. This intervention develops coping skills by focusing on ways the client can reach safety in the present through changes in their relationships, thinking, behavior and emotions. REFLECTIVE PARENTING PROGRAM (RPP) For parents of children ages 2 to 5 and 6 to 12. This is a workshop that engages parents/caregivers in experiential learning with instruction, discussions and exercises to involve participants in key topics such as responding to a child’s distress, how to discipline, ways to manage a child’s anger, recognizing temperament differences and how to engage in caring play with the child. The goal is help the parents/caregivers build strong healthy bonds with their children.
Programs Home Visitation Program Expansion (HVPE): • This program serves all communities in SPA 2.  Thru a grant from 1st 5 LA, services are provided in-home for “at-risk” families and new mothers or caregivers who have newborn babies. “At-risk” families include teen parents, premature birth, unstable home life, including homelessness, drug or alcohol use during pregnancy, financial challenges and mental health issues. These families at time of birth and are identified at area hospitals by the Welcome Baby Programs are screened and referred to SHV sites.  A Family Support Worker is assigned and meets the family to provide parenting techniques by using the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum (NPP) & the Healthy Families America Model (HFA) which promotes and implements healthy bonding and attachment, increases infant brain development and assesses early for developmental delays. Ultimately the goal is to reduce child abuse and prepare every child to be school-ready. Select Home Visitation (SHV):  The Family Support Worker also assist families with linkages to much needed community resources including mental health treatment. Families enroll voluntarily and can continue services until their child is 5 years of age. This program serves the Best Communities in SA 8.  Thru a grant by the LA County Department of Public Health, this program provides in-home services for “at-risk” families which include teen parents, high risk pregnancies, premature births, mental health issues, financial challenges & have been exposed to domestic violence situations. This program also serves postnatal families who have a child under 3 months of age who is determined “at-risk” and will continue services until the child is 5 years of age. Select Home Visitation (SHV):  A Family Support Worker is assigned and meets the family to provide parenting techniques by using the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum (NPP) & the Healthy Families America Model (HFA) which promotes and implements healthy bonding and attachment, increases infant brain development and assesses early for developmental delays. Ultimately the goal is to reduce child abuse and prepare every child to be school-ready.  The staff will be providing outreach in the community to promote referrals for this program along with collaborating with area partners. This program serves all communities in SPA 2.  Thru a grant by the LA County Department of Public Health, this program provides Home Visitation services to eligible CalWORKs participants and families who are identified as “at-risk” by the LA Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and are first time mothers. These families which include teen parents, high risk pregnancies, premature births, mental health issues, financial challenges & have been exposed to domestic violence situations. This program serves families prenatally and postnatally. Families who have a child under 3 months of age can also be referred who has been determined “at-risk” and will continue services until the child is 5 years of age.  A Family Support Worker is assigned and meets the family to provide parenting techniques by using the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum (NPP) & the Healthy Families America Model (HFA) which promotes and implements healthy bonding and attachment, increases infant brain development and assesses early for developmental delays. Ultimately the goal is to reduce child abuse and prepare every child to be school-ready.

Asian Pacific American Women's Center
It develops affordable, transitional housing for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence. It was one of the first transitional housing facilities in the U.S. to focus on the needs of API domestic violence survivors by providing culturally sensitive and language appropriate services.
ACCESS/HOTLINE: 1-800-854-7771
County of Los Angeles Department of ACCESS/HOTLINE: operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week as the entry point for mental health services in Los Angeles County. Services include deployment of crisis evaluation teams, information and referrals, gate-keeping of acute inpatient psychiatric beds, interpreter services and patient transport.
A3PCON Mental Health Committee
The committee plays a key role in presenting the needs of API clients in the mental health system. With millions in funding coming into the County, it is crucial that access to services for the many API monolingual and limited English speaking clients with mental illness increases.
Asian Pacific Family Center of Pacific Clinics
Multidisciplinary, multilingual and multicultural behavioral healthcare services to Asian immigrant families in San Gabriel Valley.


Asian American Christian Counseling Services
Affordable counseling including prevention and educational services such as premarital counseling, marriage enrichment programs, parent education, etc.


Asian Pacific American Legal Center
Provides multilingual, culturally sensitive legal services, education and civil rights support to APIs.


Resources Asian Youth Center
Serves the needs of youth and families with a focus on Asian immigrants. Located in San Gabriel area.


Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking
A multi-ethnic human rights organization whose mission is to assist persons trafficked for the purpose of forced labor and slavery-like practices and to work toward ending all instances of such human rights violations. The issue of trafficking is presented within the larger context of worker exploitation, transnational migration and violence against women and children. Programs include Social Services, Legal Services, and Training & Advocacy. It opened the first shelter for trafficked women in the U.S. CAST partners with law enforcement and government agencies to ensure criminal prosecution of traffickers and to provide training and outreach to key personnel in the field, affected communities and the general public.
Asian Pacific Community Fund (APCF)
APCF is a community-based fund that promotes philanthropy to address the diverse needs of APIs in Southern California. APCF raises and collects individual donations on behalf of its 28 member agencies through workplace giving campaigns and makes unrestricted grants to its members annually.
A Window Between Worlds
Dedicated to using art to help end domestic violence. Located in Venice, CA.



Asian Pacific Health Care Venture
To plan, provide, advocate and coordinate accessible, affordable, culturally competent and effective health care services that targets underserved Asians and Pacific Islanders and offers services to all individuals; and to provide programs of community economic development for the benefit of low income API communities in Hollywood, the greater downtown area, North Hollywood and any other areas with unmet needs in Los Angeles County.

The following links to community organization websites are for your convenience. PACS does not endorse any specific agency nor is it responsible for the quality or integrity of any of the services or programs offered by the listed agencies. Chinatown Service Center
It is the largest community-based Chinese American health and human service organization in Southern California serving immigrants, refugees and others in need of assistance in their adjustment to American life. With a focus on Los Angeles County, CSC offers a range of services through six departments. These are (1) Social Service, (2) Counseling, (3) Family Health, (4) Community Economic Development, (5) Workforce Development, and (6) Youth Development. Services are available in a variety of Chinese dialects, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Toisan, Chiu Jou, and languages including Vietnamese, Spanish, and Khmer (Cambodian).
Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP)
LEAP develops APA leaders nationwide with a philosophy that asserts that APAs can retain their unique culture, identity and values while developing the skills required for effective leadership within their organizations, communities and broader society. It expands the civic participation, public understanding and leadership development of Asian Pacific Americans.
Community Child Welfare Coalition
The Los Angeles County Community Child Welfare Coalition (CCWC) is a voluntary collaboration among nearly 50 community-based and faith-based organizations. The purpose of the CCWC is to improve the outcomes for children and families in Los Angeles County, particularly those that fall within, or that may fall within, the child welfare arena.
NICOS Chinese Health Coalition
NICOS Chinese Health Coalition is a public-private community partnership of more than 30 health and human service organizations and concerned individuals. For materials about gambling.
Koreatown Youth & Community Center (KYCC)
One of the nation’s largest social service organizations serving Korean Americans and the multi-ethnic Koreatown community by providing comprehensive services to recently immigrated, economically disadvantaged youth and families to promote community socio-economic empowerment. Services are available in Korean, English and Spanish.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Ask for help and support from your health plan. Your health plan may cover mental health treatment, individual and family behavioral counseling, eating disorders, anger management, anxiety treatment and other confidential services. Talk to your doctor about seeing a mental health specialist.
Directing Change Program and Student Film Contest
Please view and download amazing films created by young and talented film makers.
Resources National Alliance on Mental Illness, California
Empowers people with lived experience of mental illness to share their first-hand perspective of recovery.
Korean American Family Services (KFAM)
KFAM’s mission is to support and strengthen Korean American families and individuals in the greater Los Angeles area through counseling, education, and other social services. Since its inception in 1983, KFAM has provided assistance to tens of thousands of Korean Americans—particularly women, children, immigrants, and low-income families. KFAM specializes in providing linguistically and culturally appropriate services through its bilingual and bi-cultural staff.
National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse
It addresses the alcohol, tobacco, and other drug issues of the API populations nationally. This nationwide network consists of about 200 AAPI and human service organizations, including service providers, families, and youth to promote health, social justice and reduce substance abuse and related problems.
Health Help
For problems or complaints about your health plan.

Little Tokyo Service Center
LTSC has many programs. Its service department offers a comprehensive range of services to low-income people In Little Tokyo and surrounding areas of Los Angeles such as counseling, case management, help clients obtain benefits and assistance such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal, and advocate on behalf of monolingual people unfamiliar with U.S. culture and government. Its education programs reach people of all ages and ethnicities including early child development programs for children ages 0-5; cultural education programs for those interested in Japanese American culture; tutoring and mentoring programs for youth; and technology classes. It also plans, promotes and supports community development activities that preserve the Japanese American and multi-ethnic culture and history of Little Tokyo and contribute to Little Tokyo's physical, social, cultural and economic revitalization.Make The Connection
The following links to community organization websites are for your convenience. PACS does not endorse any specific agency nor is it responsible for the quality or integrity of any of the services or programs offered by the listed agencies. Each Mind Matters and SanaMente
Unite the hundreds of organizations working together to create health systems that serve minds and bodies, and the millions of Californians who refuse to stay silent while untreated mental illness takes an unnecessary toll on our families and communities. Together, we are creating a California where Each Mind Matters. The campaign has adopted the green ribbon as a symbol of Mental Health Awareness. A New State of Mind, documentary is available to stream off of the website, along with a vignettes that present stories of hope and recover. Languages: English & Spanish.
Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status
An evidence based surveillance tool and a screening test for professionals to help identify children at risk and those with undetected developmental and behavioral disabilities.
Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA)
For information and education materials about getting the most out of your health plan, call 1-866-466-8900.


Suicide Prevention Lifeline
By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.
Suicide Is Preventable
Learn facts about suicide; most importantly that suicide is preventable. Learn how you can support others who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, and find local resources such as crisis hotlines and support groups that can provide care.


If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline will connect you to a trained crisis counselor at your nearest local crisis center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For Spanish language counselors, call 1-888-628-9454.


Resources Warning Signs of Suicide Guidebook
This guidebook was created to help students better understand suicide and depression, how to recognize warning signs in themselves or their peers and what they can do to intervene.

Search to Involve Pilipino Americans
To assist the Pilipino American communities through youth development, health, economic and social services including housing.
Pacific Asian Consortium on Employment
Address the employment and job training needs of the Asian Pacific Islander communities including services such as workforce development, housing services and development, business assistance, early childhood education and youth services. Job training in the Hollywood/downtown/Chinatown areas.
ReachOut
Provides teens and young adults with a non-threatening first step to explore how they can help themselves through a tough time. This online resource, provides the facts about mental health issues and skills an opportunity to connect to peers through Forums and ReachOut TXT offers support and information via text message from trained teen and young adult volunteers. Languages: English & Spanish.


The following links to community organization websites are for your convenience. PACS does not endorse any specific agency nor is it responsible for the quality or integrity of any of the services or programs offered by the listed agencies.

At PACS, our goal is to provide client focused, quality services to clients and their families. We seek a diverse staff of well-qualified culturally and linguistically competent professionals and peer advocates. In order to hire and retain a valued work force, we offer competitive wages, benefits package and opportunities for professional development. PACS also provides strong clinical supervision in a caring and supportive work environment for clinical associates.

Resumes are accepted for all positions and are kept active for 3 months from receipt. They will be reviewed for possible matches if a position becomes available during that period.

Bilingual staff are welcome, especially in Spanish and all API languages as well as individuals who are community oriented and bicultural. It is helpful if you have experience with DMH documentation, structured treatment planning, training in an EBP and strong time management skills. Many of our clients come from communities with high levels of trauma, poverty, substance abuse and chronic homelessness. Staff need to have true compassion to help the underserved and a belief that clients can recover to lead meaningful lives. PACS also hires individuals with lived experience as peers to advocate for clients and provide additional supportive services. The agency also has home visitors programs at two of its locations that hire non-clinical staff.

Resumes with cover letters may be faxed to the attention of Joycelyn Manzano, Director of Human Resources at 310 337-2805 or emailed to jmanzano@pacsla.org.
Mental Health Clinician Position Summary:
The clinician is responsible for providing culturally responsive direct mental health services for the agency including but not limited to individual counseling, group counseling, clinical intake/evaluation, family therapy, crisis intervention, parent/child therapeutic activities, community presentations, home visits, and outreach activities.
• Position requires a MSW or MA/MS Psychology, Counseling-MFT degree with registration completed with the CA Board of Behavior Sciences.
• Ability and willingness to work with children and families of all age groups 0 through adult years.
• Experience with 0-5 yr old population preferred but not required.
• Experience with DMH mental health treatment programs preferred.
• Flexibility in a service environment with an ability to work in the field.
• Able to work with diverse treatment population and community ethnicities.
• Bi-lingual English and Asian Pacific Islander language or Spanish preferred but not mandatory.
• Training and experience in evidence based practices preferred such as Seeking Safety, TFCBT, MAP, Family Connections, etc.
• Have reliable independent means of transportation to provide client services at client locations.
ONGOING POSITION OPENINGS AT PACS
Clinical Supervisor or Clinical Coordinator Position Summary:
The clinical supervisor/coordinator is responsible for coordinating and directing the clinical and case management activities of his/her assigned team or program. Provide direct services, clinical/therapeutic counseling services may include but are not limited to individual counseling, group counseling, clinical intake/evaluation, mental health services, crisis intervention, parent/child therapeutic activities, community presentations and other therapeutic services. Clinical Supervisor will provide individual clinical supervision to AMFT, APCC, and ACSW for clinical hours for licensure as well as administrative supervision to their supervisees.
• Position requires CA Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LCSW or LMFT, PSY D, Ph. D) with a minimum of 2 years post licensure clinical experience.
• Under the direct supervision of the Clinical Director.
• Completed clinical supervision training and practice.
• Experience with DMH treatment programs required.
• Provide expertise for the agency when needed.
• Experience, training and certification with evidence based practices such as TFCBT, Seeking Safety, MAP, etc. preferred.
• Have some experience and understanding of culturally responsive services.
Careers Opportunities at PACS

Email: info@pacsla.org San Fernando Valley Satellite Office
6931 Van Nuys Blvd., Ste.200
Van Nuys, CA 91405

Phone Number: (818) 989-9214
Fax Number: (818) 989-9217
Contact us Phone: (310) 337-1550 ©2020 Pacific Asian Counseling Services | pacsla.org | pro.pacsla.com | pacsla.com Written referrals at eFax number 1(800) 549-4717 Office Hours:
9 am to 6 pm
Monday thru Friday
Other hours may be arranged by appointment.
Main Office- Westchester/LAX
8616 LA Tijera Blvd., Ste.200
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Phone Number: (310) 337-1550
Fax Number: (310) 337-2805
Long Beach Satellite Office
3530 Atlantic Ave., Ste. 210
Long Beach, CA 90807

Phone Number: (562) 424-1886
Fax Number: (562) 424-2296