Special to Playa Vista Magazine
The Life Adjustment Team (LAT) was founded in 1977 by Pete Linnett in response to a critical gap in mental health care: the lack of effective discharge planning, structure, and support necessary for sustainable recovery. At the time, individuals transitioning from inpatient treatment to independent living often faced overwhelming challenges, with few resources to help them stabilize, integrate into their communities, and prevent relapse.
Life Adjustment Team was created to fill that gap, pioneering a groundbreaking community-based mobile outreach model of psychiatric rehabilitation.
This approach provided an essential safety net for clients, offering long-term relapse prevention and fostering community connections that are vital for recovery. LAT’s model is designed to meet clients where they are — both physically and emotionally — by delivering personalized, in-vivo support in their homes and communities. This approach addresses immediate needs and empowers individuals to build the skills and confidence necessary to lead stable, active, and productive lives.
In addition to its foundation in psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR), Life Adjustment Team has expanded to offer a second key program: comprehensive outpatient services, including intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). These programs focus on evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Cynthia Sampson, Chief Executive Officer Cari Coulam, LMFT, Clinical Director of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Programs Eric Carlson, LMFT, Clinical Director of Outpatient Programs Kathleen Donovan, M.S., Clinical Supervisor, and Sarah Rosenheck Business Administrator pose for a portrait at LAT offices in Marina Del Rey. (Chris Mortenson/Staff)
While its PSR program specializes in mobile, in-vivo skills training and community integration, its outpatient services provide structured, intensive care tailored to clients’ needs. Together, these two programs ensure that clients receive the appropriate level of support, whether they are rebuilding life skills, managing daily challenges, or working toward long-term recovery goals.
As part of its commitment to accessibility, LAT is in-network with most major insurance companies, including Anthem, Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. The full list is on the website.
The practice aims to make high-quality mental health care more accessible and available to those who need it most. By removing financial barriers, Life Adjustment Team helps ensure its clients can focus on what truly matters: their recovery and well-being.
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, the relevance of Life Adjustment Team’s programs has never been greater. The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges, exacerbated by societal pressures, isolation, and uncertainty, highlights the need for innovative and accessible care models. LAT’s dual approach — combining the mobility and community focus of PSR with the structured, evidence-based framework of outpatient care — addresses these modern realities head-on.
The core of LAT’s success lies in its adaptability and client-centered philosophy. By meeting individuals where they are and providing personalized, compassionate care, the practice addresses the complex needs of today’s mental health landscape. Whether through empowering clients to reintegrate into their communities or providing targeted outpatient therapy, Life Adjustment Team continues to lead the way, setting the standard for comprehensive psychiatric rehabilitation that remains as relevant now as it was at its founding.
Cynthia Sampson, Life Adjustment Team’s chief executive officer, discusses how best to navigate tragedy.
Have you witnessed an uptick in clients since the fires, or is it too early?
It is way too early to fully assess the long-term impact of the recent fires on mental health, as many individuals are understandably focused on immediate concerns including safety, housing, and rebuilding their lives. In times of crisis, mental health often takes a backseat to addressing basic needs, but the emotional toll of such events is profound and often surfaces once the immediate danger has passed.
At the Life Adjustment Team, we recognize the importance of mental health care during and after such devastating events, which is why we are doing everything we can to support our community right now. We offer free support groups to create a safe space for people to process their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. On our social media platforms, we share daily mental health tips to provide practical tools for coping during these uncertain times.
We also encourage individuals to reach out to us once they’ve addressed their immediate needs, as our programs are designed to help people regain stability and rebuild their lives. Whether through our psychosocial rehabilitation program or outpatient services, we provide the structure, support, and evidence-based care that can help individuals recover emotionally and move forward after such life-altering events.
Mental health support is essential to long-term recovery, and we are here to provide compassionate, accessible care to those who need it — when they’re ready.
What advice would you give to evacuees in terms of self-care, and mental health?
For evacuees, the aftermath of a crisis can feel overwhelming, and self-care often takes a backseat to immediate concerns, however, tending to your mental health is essential for navigating the challenges ahead. Below are several practical self-care and mental health tips, incorporating tools from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness:
• Focus on what you can control: In moments of crisis, feeling powerless is easy. Shift your focus to things you can influence, such as creating a plan for the day, taking care of your basic needs, or reaching out for support. Acknowledging what’s within your control can reduce feelings of helplessness.
• Practice mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques to remain grounded in the present. Simple exercises, including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or focusing on your five senses, can help manage anxiety and bring clarity to stressful situations.
• Reframe negative thoughts: CBT teaches us to challenge unhelpful thoughts. If you are spiraling with “what if” scenarios, try reframing them. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll never recover from this,” remind yourself, “This is a difficult time, but I have the strength to get through it, one step at a time.”
• Acknowledge your emotions: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions — fear, sadness, anger, or even numbness — during such a challenging time. Allow yourself to experience these feelings without judgment. Writing them down in a journal can help process your emotions and create mental space.
• Take small steps toward routine: Rebuilding a routine can provide a sense of stability and control. Start with simple steps like setting a regular bedtime, eating meals at consistent times, or engaging in small tasks that bring a sense of accomplishment.
• Limit exposure to stressful media: While staying informed is essential, constant exposure to distressing news can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries around how much time you spend consuming news and focus on credible sources.
• Stay connected: Lean on friends, family, or community members for support. Sharing your experiences can provide comfort and help combat feelings of isolation.
• Ask for help: Seeking support is a sign of strength. Whether it’s through free support groups, professional counseling, or community resources, reaching out can provide guidance and reassurance as you work through your recovery.
At the Life Adjustment Team, we are committed to supporting evacuees during this challenging time. We offer free support groups, share daily mental health tips on social media, and provide professional care when you’re ready. Remember, small steps and practical tools can lead to meaningful progress as you recover and rebuild.

LMFT, Clinical director of outpatient programs Eric Carlson does some outpatient work in one of the workrooms. (Chris Mortenson/Staff)
What do you think you bring to the community?
The Life Adjustment Team (LAT) brings a unique and compassionate approach to mental health care, which has positively impacted our community for over 48 years. Our primary contribution lies in addressing the often-overlooked need for accessible, effective and personalized mental health support.
• Pioneering mental health care: LAT was founded to fill a critical gap in mental health services by creating a community-based model that bridges the transition from inpatient care to independent living. By meeting clients where they are — physically and emotionally — we’ve redefined the meaning of accessible and effective mental health care looks like.
• Comprehensive support: Through our dual focus on LAT’s psychosocial rehabilitation and outpatient programs, we provide a continuum of care that adapts to the community’s diverse needs. Whether someone is building life skills, recovering from a crisis, or managing a chronic condition, our evidence-based approaches empower individuals to take control of their mental health and achieve stability.
• Accessibility and affordability: We are proud to be in-network with most major insurance providers, ensuring that our services are accessible to as many people as possible. This commitment helps reduce financial barriers to care, allowing more members of the community to receive the support they need.
• Fostering connection and building resilience: At LAT, our approach extends beyond treating mental health conditions — we focus on nurturing meaningful connections and fostering resilience. Through weekly social hours, we create opportunities for clients to engage, build relationships, and enjoy shared activities like games in a supportive environment. Our emphasis on group therapy, alongside individual therapy in our outpatient programs, reflects our commitment to promoting connection as a vital part of the healing and recovery process.
• Advocacy and leadership in mental health: LAT sets the standard for compassionate, community-based mental health care. With a longstanding history and a proven track record, we have earned the trust of our clients, their families, and the broader mental health community. We also collaborate closely with other facilities and community partners working together to advocate for a holistic, inclusive approach to mental health support and ensure the highest quality of care.
Ultimately, we bring hope, stability, and empowerment to the community. Our work is rooted in the belief that with the right support, everyone has the potential to live a stable, active, and fulfilling life. We are honored to contribute to a stronger, more resilient community, one client at a time.
The decision to enter the mental health field often comes from a deeply personal place, shaped by experiences, passions, and the desire to make a meaningful difference. At the Life Adjustment Team, our staff shares a common goal: recognizing a critical need for compassionate, effective care and believing in the transformative power of mental health support.
For LAT’s founder, Pete Linnett, the journey began at the age of 18, working as a psychiatric technician. Witnessing the high rate of re-hospitalizations and the lack of support systems for individuals transitioning from inpatient care to community life was eye-opening. Pete’s vision to bridge this gap led to the creation of LAT, pioneering community-based psychosocial rehabilitation long before it became a widely recognized approach.
For others on our team, the motivations vary but are equally profound—some were inspired by personal experiences with mental health challenges, either their own or those of loved ones, while others were drawn to the field by a strong desire to empower individuals to lead stable, fulfilling lives despite the obstacles they face.
Ultimately, what unites us is a shared commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and creating a space where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Each of us brings a unique perspective and passion to our work, and together, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
Life Adjustment Team Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialists
4551 Glencoe Avenue, Suite 255, Marina del Rey
310-572-7000, ext. 408
lifeadjustmentteam.com
LAT Intensive Outpatient Programs
4551 Glencoe Avenue, Suite 255, Marina del Rey
310-572-7000, ext. 408
latiop.com
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