The Southland Firestorm: A Special Report : The Recovery : Directory : COUNSELING

Among the groups providing counseling or referrals to counseling for fire victims:

* Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

(800) 854-7771 has been set up as a toll-free information and referral hot line for people who have been emotionally affected by the fires. In addition, two county centers are offering free counseling to victims.

* West Valley Mental Health Center

8101 Sepulveda Blvd.

Van Nuys

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

(818) 901-0327

* Santa Monica West Mental Health Center

1525 Euclid St.

Santa Monica

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

(310) 458-2400

* Las Encinas Hospital

2900 E. Del Mar Blvd.

Pasadena

(800) 443-5744 is a counseling line for fire victims only, staffed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

* Antioch Counseling Center

13274 Fiji Way, 4th floor

Marina Del Rey

(310) 319-2716

Offering four sessions free of charge to fire victims. Call Steve Fine or Roberta Mahan for appointments.

* Catholic Charities

8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays

(213) 251-3400

For professional psychological counseling and referrals to counseling in your area.

* Jewish Family Service of Greater Los Angeles

Providing crisis counseling or referrals on a non-sectarian basis.

(213) 852-7723

(818) 587-3333

* Pine Grove Hospital and Mental Health Center

7011 Shoup Ave.

Canoga Park

(800) 224-7999

Offering food, shelter and free initial counseling for displaced fire victims. Psychiatrists on staff are also available to travel free of charge to nearby emergency rooms and shelters to counsel burn victims and their families.

* Support groups, facilitated by psychologists trained in adult and child post-traumatic stress syndrome, will be held Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. this week at the following congregations in Malibu:

* Monday: The Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue

24855 Pacific Coast Highway

(310) 456-2178

* Tuesday: St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church

28211 Pacific Coast Highway

(310) 457-7966

* Wednesday: Vineyard Church

meeting place: 23831 Harbor Vista Drive

(310) 454-1698

* Thursday: Malibu United Methodist Church

30128 Morning View Drive

(310) 457-7505

* Friday: Malibu Presbyterian Church

3324 Malibu Canyon Road

(310) 456-1611

FINANCIAL AID

* L.A. Archdiocese Emergency Financial Aid

The Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity can provide funds for immediate housing, food, clothing, medical support or other needs connected with the fires.

(213) 251-3438