The Californer - One year after Los Angeles firestorms, California continues statewide recovery and behavioral health support

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Jan 8, 2026

One year after Los Angeles firestorms, California continues statewide recovery and behavioral health support

SACRAMENTO – One year after devastating firestorms swept through Los Angeles County, Governor Gavin Newsom reaffirmed the state's commitment to an all-of-government approach to recovery, prioritizing mental health and community resilience.

"California remains focused on restoring the livelihoods of LA firestorm survivors. This includes caring for people's mental health, strengthening resilience, and making sure hope is part of the recovery. That's why the state has invested in counseling and support – because we know the significance of mental health in rebuilding strong communities."

Governor Gavin Newsom

"Over the past year we have seen meaningful progress, but we also know that recovery takes time, and that this anniversary may be a difficult moment for some families and those still finding their way forward," said Kim Johnson, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. "Please know you are not alone. If you need support, young people and families with children can connect with BrightLife Kids and Soluna. If you are in crisis please call, text or chat 988 at any time to be connected with trained crisis counselors."

Resources available for LA fire survivors

From the earliest days of the disaster, California mobilized resources to support survivors:

Resiliency centers: Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administered the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Emergency Response Grant, and through a partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, opened two Resiliency Centers in Los Angeles County as one-stop hubs for counseling and support services. These centers provide survivors access to clinicians and comprehensive behavioral health resources and will remain available through June 15, 2026.
Crisis Counseling Program (CCP): DHCS administered the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Crisis Counseling and Assistance and Training Regular Services Program, delivering more than 185,000 individual counseling encounters to wildfire survivors since May 2025. These services will continue through February 19, 2026.
CalHOPE services: Free, confidential emotional support through the CalHOPE Peer Run Warmline and Red Line connected thousands of Californians to care. In January 2025 alone, 730 calls cited "wildfires" as a primary concern.
Youth Behavioral Health Initiatives: Through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, California expanded access to in-person supports and digital tools like BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which have served more than 106,000 children, youth, and families in Los Angeles County as of November 2025.
Friendship Line: A warm line for older adults and caregivers. Call volume in the Los Angeles area has increased since January 2025, from 15% of all Friendship Line calls in January to 28% of all Friendship Line calls in September.
Substance use disorder services: DHCS facilitated the reopening or relocation of 31 treatment facilities, ensuring continuity of care for individuals impacted by the fires.
Behavioral Health Information Notice 25-002, DHCS implemented temporary waivers and flexibilities for licensed and/or certified alcohol or other drug recovery or treatment providers. These measures ensured that behavioral health facilities and programs could continue to operate despite wildfire-related disruptions.
Federal flexibilities secured by state action: DHCS obtained Section 1135 waivers and Appendix K approvals to reduce administrative burdens, streamline provider enrollment, and allow care delivery in alternative settings, such as mobile or temporary sites to protect health and safety during emergency evacuations.

"Our goal is to ensure that every survivor has access to the care they need," said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. "From crisis counseling to new Resiliency Centers, we are building a system that promotes long-term emotional recovery and community strength."

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