Frequently Asked Questions
We hear from many of our constituents on a regular basis. Below we provide answers to some of the most popular questions we receive. Please use our electronic contact form if you don't find what you are looking for on our website.
What kinds of questions does the UCEDD address by email?
Who is eligible for mental health services at the UCEDD?
Who is eligible for mental health services at Boone Fetter Clinic?
What other mental health resources are available in the community?
What other community resources are available in Los Angeles County?
How can I access Regional Center services?
How can I prepare for my child's IEP?
Are there volunteer opportunities at the USC UCEDD?
What kinds of questions does the UCEDD address by email?
Email is provided for general questions about our services, disability-related services (i.e. special education, regional centers, etc.), community resources and internship opportunities. Please be aware that email is not a secure, confidential medium of communication. Third parties may intercept, view or store your confidential information. No emergency mental health evaluation or treatment recommendations are provided via e-mail.
Who is eligible for mental health services at the UCEDD?
The Mental Health Program at the USC UCEDD serves children and adolescents, aged birth through 21 years, who have Medi-Cal insurance, have a mental health need, and live close enough to come for weekly appointments at our office near Wilshire and New Hampshire in Los Angeles. Services include assessment and therapy with mental health clinicians (psychologists, clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists), and consultation when recommended as part of the mental health treatment plan with interdisciplinary team members (developmental-behavioral pediatricians, nutritionists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, and speech-language pathologists). To determine if you or your family member is eligible for this program, please contact the Intake Coordinator at 323-361-7827.
Who is eligible for mental health services at Boone Fetter Clinic?
For children and adolescents, aged birth through 21 years, with private health insurance, the Boone Fetter Clinic at CHLA provides comprehensive team assessments, including developmental behavioral pediatrics (DBP), speech and language pathology, child psychology and occupational therapy, as well as DBP consultation and follow up. The phone number for Boone Fetter Clinic is 323-361-6102.
What other mental health resources are available in the community?
To learn about other mental health service agencies that may be closer to home, another helpful resource is the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access Hotline. The phone number is 800-854-7771. This hotline operates 24 hours, 7 days per week, and provides referrals for screening, assessment, treatment, and crisis counseling.
For ongoing therapy services for individuals with private insurance, contact your health insurance plan. The member services departments of commercial health plans can provide resources close to the member’s home.
What other community resources are available in Los Angeles County?
For help with a broader array of needs, 211 LA County is a 24-hour, 7-day a week resource line providing linkage for services such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, employment, and legal assistance. In addition to reaching help by calling 211, the website www.211la.org has a searchable database with many resources throughout Los Angeles County.
How can I access Regional Center services?
Visit the Association of Regional Center Agencies website for information about which regional center covers your geographic area. The State of California Department of Developmental Services also has an online regional center directory, a regional center map, and other useful information. If you have specific questions about your particular situation, please send us an email.
How can I prepare for my child's IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement of the educational program designed to meet a child’s individual needs. Every child who receives special education services must have an IEP. Look for the Training Guide: Developing IEPs on our Special Education Publications page. The IEP training guide is full of practical tips on how to prepare for and how to communicate at an IEP meeting. Other resources include the State Council on Developmental Disabilities IEP Strategy Guide, and Disability Rights California Special Education Rights and Responsibilities manual. If you have specific questions about your particular situation, please send us an email.
Are there volunteer opportunities at the USC UCEDD?
The USC UCEDD has limited volunteer opportunities for USC undergraduates throughout the year. If you are interested, please send us an email. We also provide professional training programs, internships and fellowships for people interested in formal training.
