In light of the death of beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams, who died Monday after hanging himself in his Tiburon home, former Long Beach First Lady Nancy Foster has come out with a message of hope for those battling mental health issues.
Foster, who has said she has battled bipolar disorder since her diagnosis at age 36, said there are a number of places in Long Beach where people suffering from depression can go to to seek help.
Community Hospital Long Beach offers programs, such as musical and art therapy, that can help people suffering from mental illness.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Long Beach is another source, Foster said.
She said those who have lost loved ones from mental illnesses should not blame themselves.
“For the loved ones left behind, my advice is to be kind to yourself and love yourself even more,” Foster said. “Feeling guilty accomplishes nothing. Kindness accomplishes everything, possibly even healing ones hurt during this time of grief.”
Below is a list of mental health facilities, including inpatient, outpatient and support, in Long Beach:
Community Hospital Long Beach
1720 Termino Ave.
562-498-1000
Mental Health America
100 W. Broadway
562-285-1330
Telecare La Casa Psychiatric Health Center
6060 Paramount Blvd.
562-634-9534
Counseling and Psychological Services, Cal State Long Beach (Students only)
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
562-985-4001
Long Beach Mental Health Center
1975 Long Beach Blvd.
562-599-9280
Long Beach Asian Pacific Islander Family Mental Health Center
4510 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 600
562-346-1100
Mental Health America-Village ISA
456 Elm Ave.
562-437-6717
mhavillage.org
Memorial Counseling Associates
4525 E. Atherton Street
800-633-7888
mcapsych.com
The Guidance Center
1301 Pine Ave.
562-595-1159
Family Service
16704 Clark Ave.
562-867-1737
Pacific Asian Counseling Services
3530 Atlantic Ave., Suite 210
562-424-1886
Jewish Family and Children Services
3801 E. Willow Street
562-427-7916
jfslongbeach.org
Pacific Resources Psychological Group
4201 Long Beach Blvd., Suite 230
562-988-1000
prpg-inc.com
Long Beach Behavioral Center
4500 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 120
562-597-7575
College Medical Center
2776 Pacific Ave.
562-997-2500
Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare Facility Long Beach (must be eligible for veteran services)
5901 E. 7th Street
562-826-8000
National Alliance for Mental Illness – Long Beach Chapter
562-435-2264
For a complete list of mental health facilities and services in Long Beach, click here. Those seeking help can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline any time, day or night, toll-free at 1-800-273-8255.
The thoughts of everyone at the Long Beach Post are with Williams’ family, friends and millions of fans, as well as anyone who is currently struggling with, or has lost a loved one due to mental health issues.