Here is a step-by-step guide to accessing services at your local regional centers (RC).

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Step 1: Prepare for call

A receptionist or intake staff should respond to your call, and they must allow you to apply. You will receive an appointment for your first meeting, which is called an “initial intake”. Visit the following website link and enter your zip code in “Search” to find your local center’s number: dds.ca.gov/rc/lookup-rcs-by-county. After you receive a response from the center, ask for the intake department. You may be asked to fill out an intake form. This form may be physically mailed to you and required to be physically mailed back. You will be asked for who referred you. Usually, this will be a doctors’ note with an assessment or a school who completed an Individualized Education Plan or a transcript that demonstrates concerns. Keep in mind, you can be self-referred! If you have concerns, you can absolutely still reach out.

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Step 2: Call your local center

When you have your documents ready, here are contact methods for each regional center:
Regional Center (RC)Phone Number
Alta California RC(916) 978-6400
Central Valley RC(559) 276-4300
Eastern Los Angeles RC(626) 299-4700
Far Northern RC(530) 222-47910
Frank D. Lanterman RC(213) 383-1300
Golden Gate RC(415) 546-9222
Harbor RC(310) 540-1711
Inland RC(909) 890-3000
Kern RC(661) 327-8531
North Bay RC(707) 256-1100
Redwood Coast RC(707) 445-0893
RC of East Bay(510) 618-6100
RC of Orange County(714) 796-5100
San Andreas RC(408) 374-9960
San Diego RC(858) 576-2996
San Gabriel/Pomona RC(909) 620-7722
South Central LA RC(213) 744-7000
Tri Counties RC(805) 962-7881
Valley Mountain RC(209) 473-0951
Westside RC(310) 258-40000
North LA County RC(818) 778-1900

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Step 3: Pairing with Service Coordinator

Congratulations! After Step 3, you will be paired with a service coordinator, whose job is to help you find and receive the services you need. To make sure everyone understands and agrees on the services, you will work together to make a document called an Individual Program Plan. This document should NOT feel like a “one size fits all” document. It should be customized to your loved ones’ strengths, capabilities, preferences, and background. It should factor in their input on where to live, people whom they would like to socialize with, and what activities they enjoy.