About Us

The Los Angeles Information & Referral Center was founded in 1973 during a time of tremendous activity in the therapy and human growth field. Professionals and non-professionals alike were claiming a territory of expertise as therapy became the new service industry of the seventies.

Professionals began to specialize. There were professionals who directed their attention to symptom treatment, such as weight control, pain control, drug and alcohol abuse, fears, wrong thinking, feelings, un-real beliefs. Awareness, peak experiences and the many liberation movements became specific goals for others. Particular psychotherapy styles such as growth centers, therapy workshops, weekend encounter groups, and intensives were also created. Family and marriage problems became an area of expertise. And crisis units and talk lines developed as professionals moved further into the community. In addition, non-professionals joined the therapy and growth movement. Faddish cults with strange names and psuedo-religious groups offered weekend cures and quick changes. Self-help organizations were developing alternatives and additions to professional services.

These rapid changes and new trends have created complexity and confusion for a person seeking help. In the Los Angeles area alone there are now over 10,000 professionals utilizing more than 200 different approaches and techniques, not counting all the non-professional services. This presents a very perplexing problem. How does a person in misery begin to know and choose the best help from such an overwhelming assortment of services? Ideally the solution would be to interview each professional, study all the approaches, and then pick the best help. For the person wanting help, this solution is impractical, if not impossible. For LAIRC, the solution to this question has become the cornerstone of its activity.

As referral specialists, we have created an easy way to match you with the appropriate professional best suited to help. We have developed a system of clarifying your needs through personal contact, consultation and evaluation. We study your medical, family and personal history. We consider your cultural background, geographical area, financial resources, language spoken, and personality. From among the many thousands of professionals and services, our referral team matches the information we receive from you to the appropriate service. Once you are in contact with the appropriate service, we continue to stay in touch with you. The information we receive regarding your progress enables us to continually refine and improve our service. Our purpose is to create the best possible therapeutic relationship - to make therapy work for you.


>>> back to top