How to Get Medi-Cal Mental Health Support in Lancaster & Palmdale
Getting mental health support with Medi-Cal in Lancaster, Palmdale, and the Antelope Valley doesn’t have to be confusing.
This page walks you through who qualifies, how to start, and what to expect when you work with Horizon Community Mental Health.
Self-referral is welcome. You do not need a referral from a primary care provider to get started.
Who this is for
Adults 18+ with Medi-Cal
We primarily serve adults 18 and older who have Medi-Cal through L.A. Care or Health Net plans and meet
medical necessity for mental health services.
Residents of Antelope Valley
Our focus is on Lancaster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Littlerock, Lake Los Angeles, and surrounding Antelope
Valley communities within Service Planning Area 1.
Clients & Helpers
This guide is for clients, family members, case managers, and community providers who want a clear path to
Medi-Cal mental health support.
What Medi-Cal can cover
Mental health support
Individual mental health support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, and other challenges that
impact daily life at home, work, school, or in the community.
Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS)
When symptoms are more severe, Medi-Cal may cover Specialty Mental Health Services, including ongoing
therapy, rehabilitation services, and targeted case management.
Rehabilitation & case management
Support with daily living skills, organizing appointments, connecting with medical care, housing,
benefits, and other community resources as needed.
There is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medi-Cal members. Coverage and medical necessity are confirmed
during intake.
How to start
Self-referral or referral from a provider
You can self-refer. You do not need a referral from a doctor or primary care provider to begin.
Most clients and families contact us directly.
-
Submit the online referral form.
Share your contact information, Medi-Cal details, and a brief description of what you’d like help with. -
Or call our office.
If you prefer to talk first, call 661-441-6568 and we can help complete the referral with you. -
We review your information.
We verify that your Medi-Cal is active and confirm medical necessity for mental health services.
Who can complete the referral?
- The client (self-referral)
- A family member or support person (with the client’s permission)
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Case managers and social workers
- Community organizations in the Antelope Valley
After you submit the referral
1. We verify Medi-Cal
We confirm your Medi-Cal plan is active and check whether you are enrolled with L.A. Care or Health Net.
2. We confirm medical necessity
We review your symptoms, how often they occur, and how they affect your daily life to confirm medical
necessity for mental health services.
3. We schedule your first session
We contact you with available appointments. When possible, we aim for same-week or next-week availability,
depending on your schedule and our openings.
What to expect in your first sessions
Assessment & history
We ask about your history, symptoms, stressors, and supports so we can understand what is happening now and
what has helped or not helped in the past.
Goals & daily functioning
Together we identify clear goals, like reducing anxiety, improving mood, sleeping better, or managing grief,
and we talk about how your mental health affects your day-to-day life.
Plan & frequency
We recommend how often to meet and what type of services make sense, such as individual support, rehabilitation
services, and case management if needed.
Our approach is direct and practical. We focus on tools that reduce symptoms, improve functioning, and remove
barriers that keep you stuck.
Common questions
Do I need a doctor referral?
No. You can self-refer. Most of our clients and families contact us directly using the referral form or by phone.
Will this cost me anything?
For eligible Medi-Cal members, services are covered. We confirm coverage and medical necessity as part of the intake process.
How long until I hear back?
We usually contact you within 1–2 business days after you submit the referral to review next steps and scheduling options.
Where we serve
Horizon Community Mental Health serves adults 18+ in Lancaster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Littlerock,
Lake Los Angeles, and surrounding Antelope Valley communities through in-person and telehealth services.
In-person visits are at: 626 W Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93534.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can submit a referral online or call our office.
We’ll walk you through the process so you’re not doing it alone.
Notice:
Horizon Community Mental Health provides outpatient and Specialty Mental Health Services under Medi-Cal.
Eligibility and medical necessity are confirmed in alignment with LACDMH and DHCS requirements for Service Area 1.
© Horizon Community Mental Health · Medi-Cal mental health support ·
Lancaster & Palmdale · Tel: (661) 441-6568