Airport Marina Counseling Service

Airport Marina Counseling Service The mission of AMCS is to provide affordable, community-based mental health services for people of al

Love to decorate for the holidays? Feel like Clark W. Griswold's light display has nothing on yours? Have more inflatabl...
11/21/2025

Love to decorate for the holidays? Feel like Clark W. Griswold's light display has nothing on yours? Have more inflatables outside than you can count? Well, get out all your bulbs, bows, deer and inflatable snow-globes, because the Westchester Mental Health Guild Holiday Light Tour and Contest will happen again this December.

Westchester and Playa del Rey homeowners that are interested in participating will have their location shared on a map and voting ballot. Registered tour-goers will drive by and vote for their favorite home, creating a community-wide Westchester / Playa Holiday Lights Tour. As an added bonus, prizes worth hundreds of dollars are awarded to those voted first, second and third place “Fan Favorites.”

• Participation is open to all residents within the Westchester and Playa del Rey area.
• To enter the contest, you must sign the homeowners’ Guidelines & Agreement and make a donation of at least $40. (Your entry also entitles you to a participation gift and a voting ballot.)
• To receive the homeowners’ Guidelines & Agreement, please email info@westchestermhg.org to express your interest in participating in the contest. Signed agreements must be received no later than 5 p.m. on December 5. Sign up soon – the Guild is limiting the number of participants this year.
• The contest is for exterior decorations only, including decorations in windows that are visible from the exterior.
• Displays must include lights so that the display is visible after dark. Displays should be full, colorful and have a lot of holiday lights.
• Participants should ensure that all lights, animations, and decorations are in place and activated by Friday, December 12.

Donations of at least $40 can be made by Zelle, Venmo, through the Guild's website, www.westchestermhg.org with PayPal or credit card, or by mailing a check payable to WMHG to Westchester Mental Health Guild, 7891 La Tijera Boulevard, Westchester, CA 90045. Please be sure it arrives by December 5, and make a notation “participating in the Holiday Lights Tour & Contest” on your payment and provide your email address.

For any questions please email info@westchestermhg.org.

All proceeds benefit Airport Marina Counseling Service.

St Jerome Parish will hold its Annual Holiday Craft Faire on the weekend of November 22 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and November ...
11/20/2025

St Jerome Parish will hold its Annual Holiday Craft Faire on the weekend of November 22 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and November 23 (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Various artisans from the parish and surrounding communities rent space inside the parish hall and outdoors to sell handmade holiday gifts, home baked treats and other unique wares. On sale will be everything form quilted table runners and microwave cozies to crocheted hanging dishtowels, jewelry and decorative items. It's the perfect spot to pick up all those special holiday gifts!

The event will also feature numerous raffles and drawings, including raffles of large gift baskets. Refreshments will be available for purchase, as well.

Crafters from the Westchester Mental Health Guild will be on hand selling their wares to benefit AMCS. Be sure to stop by the church at 5550 Thornburn Street in Westchester. See you there!

November is National Gratitude Month – a time to embrace the incredible power of gratitude and recognize just how much i...
11/18/2025

November is National Gratitude Month – a time to embrace the incredible power of gratitude and recognize just how much it can transform our lives.

Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you.” It’s a way of seeing the world, one that helps us shift our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. By practicing gratitude each day, we build a deeper connection with ourselves, the people around us, and the world we share.

When we practice gratitude regularly, every aspect of our lives can improve. Studies show that gratitude enhances our mood, reduces stress, and significantly boosts our overall health and well-being.

Grateful people tend to experience fewer stress-related illnesses, lower blood pressure, and less depression. They’re often more physically active, happier, and more successful—both personally and professionally. They even report having stronger relationships and higher levels of life satisfaction. And here’s a fun fact: grateful kids tend to earn better grades in school!

A Few Fascinating Facts About Gratitude:

• Women tend to be more grateful than men. National surveys show that women express and feel gratitude more frequently.
• Gratitude builds better teams. Feeling and expressing appreciation makes people better collaborators and may even help prevent burnout—especially in athletes.
• Gratitude boosts physical health. Grateful people report fewer aches and pains and are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise and preventive care.
• Gratitude strengthens mental health. It reduces negative emotions like envy, resentment, and anger, while increasing happiness and decreasing depression.
• Gratitude improves relationships. Expressing thanks deepens existing bonds and helps form new ones. Research shows that when we acknowledge others’ contributions, we not only strengthen relationships but also open doors to new opportunities.

So this November — and every month — take a moment to appreciate the good in your life and the people who make it special.

Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.A ...
11/14/2025

Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.

A growing number of men – around 10.8 million globally – are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men. And across the world, one man dies by su***de every minute of every day, with males accounting for 69% of all su***des.

This month men celebrate Movember – an annual global campaign that raises awareness and funds for men's health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

Do you have a friend who's been avoiding social situations? Gone MIA on social media? Getting easily frustrated? Or just generally acting out of character? It may be a sign they are struggling. Changes in behavior can be a sign of poor mental health. If you spot a friend whose behavior is out of character, that’s your sign to check in with them.

How to Spot the Signs:

Signs that someone could be in distress might include:

• Not sleeping
• Eating less or more than usual
• Forgetting grooming (no clean clothes, not showering or brushing teeth)
• Avoiding social situations
• Missing social or sports events
• Going quiet on social media or messaging apps
• Being more irritable than usual
• Talking of death and dying or increased hopelessness

If you spot a friend whose behavior is out of character, it's important to check in with them - it might just save their life. If you or someone you know needs help, please call AMCS at (310) 670-1410.

Dine-in or take out your favorite menu items from Tower Pizza.  You get time off from cooking and the Guild gets a perce...
11/10/2025

Dine-in or take out your favorite menu items from Tower Pizza. You get time off from cooking and the Guild gets a percentage of the proceeds – it’s a win-win!

Tuesday and Wednesday
November 11 and 12
at
Tower Pizza
8351 Lincoln Boulevard
310-410-0986
www.towerpizza.com

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tower Pizza will donate 20% of your order to WMHG.

You must present a printed copy of this coupon in order to benefit the Guild.

Takeout or Dine-in only.

As we approach the holiday season, it's important to acknowledge that this time of year can bring both joy and stress. W...
11/06/2025

As we approach the holiday season, it's important to acknowledge that this time of year can bring both joy and stress. While many of us look forward to gatherings and celebrations, the pressures of gift-giving, family dynamics, and the expectations of the season can also create significant stress.

Here are some suggestions to help you navigate this holiday season while maintaining a positive mental attitude:

• Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that it’s okay for things not to be perfect. Focus on what matters most to you and your loved ones.
• Practice Self-Care: Carve out time for yourself amidst the holiday hustle. Whether it’s a quiet walk, reading a book, or meditating, prioritize activities that help you recharge.
• Limit Overcommitment: It’s easy to feel obligated to attend every event. Choose the gatherings that are most meaningful to you and don’t hesitate to decline invitations that add stress.
• Budget Wisely: Financial stress can be heightened during the holidays. Create a budget for gifts and activities, and stick to it. Remember, thoughtfulness often outweighs the cost.
• Reach Out for Support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust. Sharing your feelings can be incredibly cathartic and can help you gain perspective.
• Focus on Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This practice can shift your mindset and help you appreciate the positives amidst the chaos.
• Engage in Mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help ground you in the present moment, reducing anxiety and promoting calm.

Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions during the holidays. By taking proactive steps to manage stress, you can create a more enjoyable and meaningful experience for yourself and those around you.

Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season.

Today, November 5, is recognized as International Stress Awareness Day – 24 hours of reinforcing the fact that you’re no...
11/05/2025

Today, November 5, is recognized as International Stress Awareness Day – 24 hours of reinforcing the fact that you’re not doing yourself a favor by stressing about situations you can’t control. In fact, according to science, chronic stress leads to impaired cognitive and physiological functions. Would you want to age before your time? Absolutely not! On this day, let’s learn together to hone our ability to choose one thought over another and let the stress ebb away.

Stress can manifest itself in various ways, and it is important to identify the signs and symptoms early to prevent it from taking a toll on our physical and mental well-being.

Some common signs of stress include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, having trouble sleeping, and changes in appetite.

Here are a few tips that can help you identify and manage stress:

Identify your stress triggers: Take a moment to reflect on situations that trigger stress for you. Is it a deadline at work, a difficult conversation with someone, or a personal issue? Knowing your triggers can help you anticipate and prepare for stressful situations.

Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and getting enough sleep. Taking care of your physical health can help you manage stress more effectively.

Connect with others: Reach out to family and friends, and make time for socializing. Talking to someone about your stressors can help alleviate the burden.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no and set boundaries for yourself. Prioritizing your time and energy can help you feel more in control of your stress.

Seek professional help: If you are experiencing chronic stress, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with tools and resources to manage stress effectively.

Remember, managing stress is a journey, and it is essential to take small steps each day to make progress. If you or someone you know needs help, please call AMCS at (310) 670-1410.

Great evening partnering with Gateway LA at the Sonesta and Sheraton Gateway hotels for the annual Century Stroll for Me...
11/03/2025

Great evening partnering with Gateway LA at the Sonesta and Sheraton Gateway hotels for the annual Century Stroll for Mental Health! There was incredible food and friendship as we worked together to raise money for AMCS!

Dr. Mimi Hoang, Program Coordinator of the LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy Center at Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMC...
10/31/2025

Dr. Mimi Hoang, Program Coordinator of the LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy Center at Airport Marina Counseling Service (AMCS), recently co-presented a one-hour seminar called "Cultural and Clinical Implications for Working with Bisexual, Pansexual, and Fluid Women" with Dr. Danielle Samuel.

This year's conference, held in Minneapolis October 9-11, brought together more than 700 health professionals, researchers, academics, policy experts, and advocates from across all disciplines to share groundbreaking research, innovative interventions, and best practices in LGBTQ+ health care.

"Dr. Mimi's presentation at the prestigious GLMA conference underscores her nationwide reputation as an expert in her field and a tireless advocate for affirmative therapy and LGBTQ+ rights," said AMCS CEO Eden Garcia-Balis. "We are proud to have her on the AMCS team and know that our therapists and clients benefit from her expertise and experience every day."

Since its inception in 1981, GLMA's Annual Conference on LGBTQ+ Health has served as the premier scientific conference shaping the future of LGBTQ+ health care, where health professionals come together to share innovative breakthroughs and interventions, as well as the latest research on LGBTQ+ health.

This year's conference theme, Unity. Action. Progress., was intended to highlight the transformative power of collective effort in advancing LGBTQ+ health equity. It emphasizes the importance of standing together, taking decisive steps to address disparities, and building momentum toward a future where every LGBTQ+ individual can access affirming, inclusive care.

GLMA originally stood for the Gay and Le***an Medical Association but has been rebranded to "Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality."

For more information about GLMA, please visit https://glma.org/

Halloween is one of the oldest recorded observances. The tradition started over 2,000 years ago with the Celts, who beli...
10/30/2025

Halloween is one of the oldest recorded observances. The tradition started over 2,000 years ago with the Celts, who believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred on October 31.

The Celts built bonfires and wore ghostly costumes to drive the evil spirits away. Some carried lanterns crafted out of potatoes or turnips to intimidate the demons they believed were around them.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reminds us that not only is it the season for ghosts and goblins, but also stigma. Costumes and seasonal attractions that feature psychos, mental patients, and insane asylums perpetuate stereotypes that mental illness is scary, frightening, and horrific. Intended as fun, these violent stereotypes serve to perpetuate stigma—which was long ago reported as an enormous source of prejudice and discrimination for children and adults who live with mental illness.

4 Tips for Stigma-Busting Halloween

• Think about your costume. When choosing an outfit, consider carefully if the costume you or your child is wearing will foster misconceptions about people with mental illness or demonize people who struggle with such disorders.
• Avoid attractions that perpetuate stigma. Resist paying admission or visiting local attractions that feature "mental patients," "psychos," "freaks," "weirdos," and/or urban legends.
• Decorate appropriately. Halloween decor indoors or outdoors should reflect appropriate harvest or scary themes. Ghosts, witches, goblins, zombies, and the like are all stigma-free – as are pumpkins, cornstalks, and spiderwebs.
• Decide if the time is right to fight the fight. Halloween is a season of fun for children of all ages. Seeing a stigmatizing costume or witnessing a degrading entertainment event may hurt, but don't feel as if you have to reach and teach everyone you meet. It's OK to let others fight against mental health discrimination.

AMCS wishes you and your family a fun, happy and stigma-free Halloween!

Join AMCS's new FREE Seniors Connect Group every Tuesday at the Westchester Senior Center!
10/28/2025

Join AMCS's new FREE Seniors Connect Group every Tuesday at the Westchester Senior Center!

The special menus for this year's Chefs’ Tastings & Century Stroll for Mental Health, featuring masterful creations by r...
10/24/2025

The special menus for this year's Chefs’ Tastings & Century Stroll for Mental Health, featuring masterful creations by renowned Executive Chefs at the Sonesta and Sheraton Gateway Hotels, have been released!

Join us on Sunday, November 2, from 4–7:30 p.m. for an evening of culinary magic, community spirit, and giving back. This one-of-a-kind event supports the vital mental health services of Airport Marina Counseling Service – and features an incredible array of culinary delights:

Two stops. Two chefs. One progressive feast.

Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX — Opening Course Seasonal Feast by Chef Jose Camarillo

Start strong with shrimp cocktail shooters and yellowfin poke bowls layered with avocado, serrano, sriracha mayo, crispy garlic, sesame, and herbs. Shareable brick-oven flatbreads (bacon, leek, and gruyere; goat cheese with fig balsamic; classic meat-lover’s) keep the energy up, followed by the centerpiece: carved-to-order roasted filet of beef with caramelized onion jus, fresh rolls, and horseradish. Sushi fans will find a chef’s omakase station. Cap it off with Ibarra chocolate crème brûlée, pumpkin cheesecake, and mini churros with dulce de leche.

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles — Caribbean Fall Tasting by Chef Michael Comrie

Settle into bold island flavors with smoky jerk ribs touched with autumn sweetness and spicy curry shrimp. Pair them with golden fried plantains and fragrant sides like rice and peas and coconut rice. Finish on a high note with a Caribbean twist on a classic: pineapple upside-down cake, plus a bright tropical bite to close the stroll.

Each stop along the stroll includes perfectly paired wines and signature cocktails, as well as an atmosphere alive with entertainment and elegance.

Live music, vibrant energy, and gourmet experiences await. Whether it’s your first Century Stroll or your fifteenth, this year promises to be the best yet.

Tickets are $150 per person and some are still available, but hurry because there are a limited number of spots and time is running out! Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/century-stroll-for-mental-health-progressive-dinner-tickets-1761945419179

Address

7891 La Tijera Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
90045

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+13106701410

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