La Paz Geropsychiatric Center has been providing comprehensive services to individuals with serious mental illness for over 50 years. Opened in 1986, this center was created as an alternative to state hospitals and acute care facilities, specifically serving adults aged 50 and older who have been diagnosed with a severe mental health condition. The facility features 148 beds and operates with the belief that all individuals, regardless of age or degree of impairment, have the potential to improve their functioning and make meaningful choices in their lives.
The treatment philosophy at La Paz centers around the belief in each person's potential for growth, emphasizing the importance of a holistic, individualized approach. The clinical system employed, known as the Recovery-Centered Clinical System (RCCS), offers a richly personal and comprehensive pathway to recovery. The RCCS focuses on enabling residents to enhance their quality of life through personal choice and involvement in their treatment. By reducing the symptoms of severe mental illness and providing safe, effective medical and psychiatric care, the center aims to empower residents to take a greater role in their environments—whether it be living, learning, working, or socializing.
Residents are typically referred to La Paz through the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health–County Wide Resource Management or by the Los Angeles Public Guardians Office. Privately conserved residents and individuals referred by contractual county agreements also find support at the center. Treatment is built on a foundation of respect, dignity, and hope, underscored by the recurring "RCCS Tidbit of the Month" topics such as "My Story," "Hope," "Our Elders," "Our Community Connections," "Starting the Year with Kindness," "Our Holiday Triggers," "Giving Thanks," "Authentic Power," "Gold Medal Resilience," and "Our Wise Mind Program." These themes reflect the center's commitment to addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of each person's journey.
La Paz Geropsychiatric Center is recognized not just for the range of clinical services offered, but also for fostering a warm community atmosphere. The facility regularly celebrates milestones and holidays, creating opportunities for residents and staff to connect and share in meaningful experiences. The dedication of the staff is evident in the stability and encouragement they provide, helping individuals chart a course toward greater wellness and fulfillment. At La Paz, the ongoing mission is to reduce the barriers imposed by mental illness and to open the doors to a healthier, more autonomous future for every resident.