Faith leaders and clinicians to join Los Angeles behavioral health seminar

Tarzana Treatment Centers, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and Pueblo y Salud will host an interfaith seminar July 22 in Reseda to improve mental health and substance use referral pathways. The event is designed to connect faith communities with clinicians and public agencies as Los Angeles County faces ongoing demand for culturally responsive care.

Why it matters: - Faith leaders are often the first people individuals and families turn to during crises tied to grief, mental health or substance use. - The seminar aims to reduce stigma and create clearer referral routes to coordinated, culturally responsive care across Los Angeles County. - The event also spotlights local resources and training tied to overdose prevention and mental health response.

What happened: - Tarzana Treatment Centers, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Pueblo y Salud and community partners will host the Interfaith Behavioral Health Seminar on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. - The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Reseda Church of Christ in Reseda, California. - Faith leaders, behavioral health professionals, healthcare providers, public agencies and community organizations are expected to attend. - The program is built around learning, dialogue and collaboration on mental health and substance use care.

The details: - Opening remarks will come from community leaders and seminar organizers, including Dr. José C. Salazar of Tarzana Treatment Centers. - Speakers also include representatives from Reseda Church of Christ, the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Anthem Blue Cross, Pueblo y Salud, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. - The keynote session, “Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment Within the Interfaith Community,” will be moderated by Antonio Bañuelos, LCSW, Service Area 2 chief for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Outpatient Care Services. - Keynote panelists include Dr. Kevin Burns of the LA County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau, Dr. Charity Chandler-Cole of LA Voice, Dr. Edden Agonafer of AID in Healing and Dr. Cassidy Todd of Tarzana Treatment Centers. - Participants will learn about emerging mental health and substance use trends, including fentanyl and 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine). - The seminar will highlight Los Angeles County behavioral health resources and initiatives, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Bureau’s R95 Initiative. - Morning and afternoon breakout sessions will cover co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges, prevention and early intervention, treatment pathways and the role of faith leaders in recognizing concerns and referring people to care. - Additional topics include recognizing early warning signs, conducting stigma-reducing conversations, understanding referral options, strengthening collaboration, developing culturally responsive and faith-aligned support strategies and building professional relationships. - Resource tables will be staffed by Tarzana Treatment Centers, Pueblo y Salud, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Sierra Medical Group, Olive View Hospital and other providers. - Overdose Prevention Education Training and Mental Health First Aid sign-ups may be available during lunch. - Tarzana Treatment Centers will offer up to 4.0 continuing education hours for eligible participants who complete required attendance, evaluation and documentation. - Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Between the lines: - The seminar is less about a single presentation and more about building a practical referral network between congregations, clinicians and public systems. - By placing faith leaders alongside county officials and healthcare providers, organizers are signaling that community-based trust is part of the care model. - The focus on fentanyl and 7-OH suggests the seminar is responding to current substance use risks in the county.

What's next: - Participants can use the seminar to connect with local providers and training opportunities tied to overdose prevention and mental health first aid. - Tarzana Treatment Centers, the county and partner organizations are positioned to deepen referral and education efforts after the event. - The interfaith model could serve as a template for future community-based behavioral health outreach in Los Angeles County.

The bottom line: - Los Angeles County health and faith partners are trying to turn trusted community relationships into faster, more coordinated access to mental health and substance use care.