Overview
VIP Community Mental Health Center, Inc. (VIP-CMHC) is a prominent non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2001. Dedicated to protecting and treating victims of family violence and sexual assault, VIP-CMHC specializes in providing mental health services primarily for Medi-Cal eligible children and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, sexual assault, or domestic violence. The organization supports approximately 20,000 individuals annually and addresses 70% of children entering foster care in Los Angeles County. Operating from its headquarters at 1721 Griffin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90031, VIP-CMHC has a workforce of 51-200 employees.
Mission and Services
The core mission of VIP-CMHC revolves around delivering comprehensive services to those impacted by family violence and other traumatic events. Their offerings include individual, group, and family therapy, 24/7 crisis intervention, developmental screenings, forensic and medical care, mentoring, tutoring, elder abuse intervention, youth development, and violence prevention programs.
Leadership
Dr. Astrid Heppenstall Heger, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of VIP-CMHC, also holds a professorship in Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Southern California. Under her direction, the center employs a multidisciplinary advocacy model that effectively integrates medical, forensic, and mental health services tailored to children and families affected by trauma.
Key Programs
1. Mental Health Services: Offering crisis intervention, psychological assessments, case management, and support for housing and basic needs.
2. Youth Development: Emphasizes educational advocacy, mentoring, tutoring, and violence prevention outreach.
3. Forensic and Medical Care: Provides specialized medical and psychological evaluations and interventions.
4. LGBTQ+ Services: The Alexis Project supports LGBTQ+ youth through a specialized team equipped to meet specific community needs.
5. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program: Concentrates on the disproportionately high rates of FASD among foster care children.
Funding and Financials
Operating as a non-profit, VIP-CMHC adheres to transparency and accountability by submitting IRS Form 990/990-EZ annually. With the support of over 700 donors, 90% of funds contributed go directly to program services.
Facilities and Operating Hours
The main facility is located at 1721 Griffin Avenue, Los Angeles, with general operations running Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-in services are available upon contacting the provider.
Contact Information
- Phone: 323-221-4134
- Email: contact@vip-cmhc.org
- Website: [violenceinterventionprogram.org](http://violenceinterventionprogram.org)
Strategic Goals
VIP-CMHC strives to expand its reach and impact by enhancing existing programs and embracing innovative solutions to comprehensively address family violence. The organization is proactive in seeking new partnerships and funding opportunities for sustained growth.
Competitor Landscape
VIP Community Mental Health Center, Inc. operates within a competitive network of entities focused on trauma and support services in Los Angeles:
1. Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services: Excels in suicide prevention and integrated substance use treatment, offering significant competition with innovative crisis care solutions.
2. Hillsides: Emphasizes trauma-informed care in Los Angeles, providing mental health treatment and foster care services, marking it as a key player in similar service areas.
3. Wayfinder Family Services: Initially founded to support children with vision challenges, now addressing broader family adversities including mental health and adoption services.
4. Children's Institute Inc.: Focuses on social-emotional wellbeing and educational success of the youth in underserved communities, holding a substantial role in child welfare services.
Strategic Positioning
Through extended service hours and a comprehensive care model, VIP-CMHC ensures accessibility and relevance within Los Angeles's competitive healthcare landscape. Specializing in service delivery to vulnerable populations, the center showcases a distinctive approach in the mental health domain. Continued innovation and community-based interventions will bolster their position further.
