LTSC - Counseling Programs

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Counseling Services and Support Groups

Just one of the many families benefiting from the programs and services of LTSC.

KOALA Club. --One of the many counseling and support groups of LTSC.

Counseling Programs

Since 1983, the Nikkei Family Counseling Program (NFCP) has been working to outreach and increase the utilization of mental health services by Japanese and Japanese American families and individuals through counseling, support groups and educational workshops. Our Counseling Programs unit strives to provide culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services to the Japanese American community throughout Southern California and uses a variety of therapies that cut through cultural barriers to understanding. Services are provided on a sliding scale that allows everyone, regardless of income, to receive counseling. In addition to direct services, LTSC also sponsors educational seminars for the general population and service providers.

Support Groups

Support groups provide a place for participants to exchange not only helpful information but also share life experiences that encourage each other in their struggles. Most of these support groups are facilitated by social workers.

Cancer Support Group

The Cancer Support Group is open to any Japanese-speaking patient diagnosed with any type of cancer and is the only group of its kind in Southern California. Group members come together every other week to support each other and overcome fear, anxiety, stress and pain. Members have a positive outlook and are living their lives to their fullest potential. Some members have expressed their view that after their cancer diagnosis they realized how precious and beautiful life is and have chosen to celebrate everyday.

KOALA Club

Because raising children in the United States presents unique challenges to Japanese speaking mothers, Little Tokyo Service Center holds a parenting support group called Koala Club. The mothers, along with their children, meet twice a month to socialize and interact with each other. Making new friends and building a support network is a significant aspect of the group because many of them are recent immigrants from Japan and often feel isolated having left family and friends behind.