Mental Health Helpline: Support and Resources Available 24/7

The Youstar Foundation, founded by Soh Yun Park and her husband Sang Kyun Park, operates a specialized warmline providing mental health support tailored for the Korean-speaking community in Los Angeles. By utilizing counselors who share the same cultural and linguistic background, the organization aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care and address high rates of suicide among Korean Americans in Los Angeles County.

Addressing Mental Health Stigma in the Korean Community

Soh Yun Park launched the Youstar Foundation warmline to bridge the gap between people in distress and accessible, culturally competent care. According to the foundation, the service acts as a “warmline,” a resource distinct from emergency hotlines, designed to provide emotional support for those struggling with mental health challenges. The initiative specifically targets the Korean-speaking population, a demographic that faces a notable stigma when seeking traditional mental health services.

“If you can’t communicate, it’s terrifying,” Soh Yun Park said, reflecting on her own experience searching for psychological care for her husband, who lives with bipolar disorder. She noted that language barriers often prevent families from accessing necessary treatment, forcing them to “hide in darkness” rather than seeking help.

The Role of Culturally Competent Support

The effectiveness of the Youstar Foundation’s approach rests on matching callers with counselors who understand the specific generational struggles and parent-child dynamics prevalent in Korean culture. Cheryl Eskin, a licensed marriage and family therapist and senior director of the teen hotline program, Teen Line, emphasizes that many people avoid professional help due to fears of being judged.

“Cultural and societal factors often come into play with people believing that their problems are not worthy of support or reveal that something is ‘wrong’ with them,” Eskin said. By providing a service that operates in both Korean and English, the foundation lowers the barrier to entry, allowing individuals to speak with someone who relates to their lived experience.

Future Expansion and Crisis Resources

While the Youstar Foundation currently operates during daytime and evening hours, the organization has set a goal to transition to a 24-hour service within the next three years. This expansion is intended to address the rising mental health concerns in Koreatown and mitigate the impact of recent federal funding cuts to local mental health resources.

Immediate Crisis Resources

For those experiencing an immediate crisis, additional support channels remain available:

• LACDMH Help Line: 1-800-854-7771 (Available 24/7)
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a warmline and a hotline?

A warmline is one step below the type of hotline that’s called during an emergency. A hotline, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is designed for immediate intervention during an emergency.

Who can use the Youstar Foundation service?

The service is specifically designed for the Korean-speaking community, offering support in both Korean and English to help navigate cultural barriers to mental health care.

Does the service cost money?

No, the Youstar Foundation provides its emotional support telephone service free of charge.

Have you or a loved one benefited from culturally specific mental health resources? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on community health initiatives in Los Angeles.