Lila Seidman

Lila Seidman is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times’ yearlong initiative exploring various facets of mental health. The project will marry her graduate work in clinical psychology and more than 10 years of journalism experience. Since joining The Times in 2020, Seidman has served on the breaking news and utility desks, where’s she written about Indigenous communities, wildfires threatening giant trees and fishing the L.A. River. Previously, she covered City Hall for Glendale News-Press, then part of Times Community News.

A native Angeleno, Seidman cut her teeth as a freelancer at L.A. Weekly, Patch and other local outlets. She’s reported for a variety of publications, including the Daily Journal, a statewide legal publication, and the UB Post, an English-language newspaper in Mongolia, and her work has appeared in Gawker and Vice. She briefly deflected from the sun and smog of L.A. to attend Reed College in Portland, Ore., where she earned a degree in Russian and psychology. She’s working toward a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University, with plans to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Latest From This Author

California

1 dead after shootout with security guards in South L.A., police say

A man opened fire on a security guard in South L.A. before he was fatally shot by another guard, police said. The wounded guard was taken to a hospital.
California

Investigation underway after fire chars historic Watts church for second time in 2 years

A fire broke out at St. John’s United Methodist Church on Saturday evening, charring the already-damaged sanctuary. No one was injured.
California

Dozens break into Compton gas station in chaotic melee after street takeover nearby

Roughly 100 people surged into an Arco and stole snacks, drinks and other merchandise after a street takeover converged at a nearby intersection.
California

2 in critical condition following multi-vehicle crash in Pacific Palisades

At least five cars were involved in an accident on Pacific Coast Highway on Saturday night, leaving seven injured.
California

L.A. promised mental health crisis response without cops. Why isn’t it happening?

A plan to increase Los Angeles County’s psychiatric mobile crisis teams has faltered, often leaving people no choice but to turn to police during a mental health emergency.
California

Epic winter storm turns Southern California snow white; more rain and snow on the way

‘Yes, we do get weather out here’: The epic winter storm has moved out of Southern California, but more rain is in the forecast this week.
California

Leaving prison for many means homelessness and overdose. California hopes to change that

California is the first state permitted to provide Medicaid to people behind bars, including those with mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
California

Long after L.A.’s mental health chief quit, pressures he faced still shape the agency

Dr. Jonathan Sherin railed against the red tape and underfunding plaguing the county department of mental health when he stepped down. His successor will face similar problems.
California

Participation in Dry January is growing. Can it lead to ‘mindful drinking’?

Many folks ring in the New Year with a Dry January. We asked experts about the practice of shunning alcohol for a month.
California

Have you called 988 during a mental health crisis? We want to hear from you

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in mid-July. We want to hear about your experiences using it.