Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS) Program

Led by Clinical Director Dr. Belen Gonzalez, PhD., LCSW, First Day’s ICMS program is a vital part of Los Angeles County’s Department of Health Services Housing for Health initiative, providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care to individuals experiencing homelessness with complex medical, mental health, and/or substance use challenges.

Serving over 120 participants annually, ICMS supports individuals at every stage of the housing process—from street outreach and initial engagement to housing placement and long-term stability in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Services are person-centered and tailored to each participant’s unique needs, with a flexible, “whatever it takes” approach to care. This includes immediate support for basic needs, access to physical and behavioral healthcare, transportation, benefits enrollment, and long-term case management.

The program emphasizes a trauma-informed, low-barrier model, ensuring that participants are not only housed, but also empowered through collaborative care planning, consistent reassessment, and connection to community-based supports. Participants are screened in rather than out, and ICMS case managers coordinate closely with referring partners, medical professionals, mental health providers, and housing teams to ensure a seamless transition to stability.

With Dr. Gonzalez’s leadership, First Day’s ICMS program meets the highest standards of clinical care and compliance, helping some of LA County’s most vulnerable residents achieve lasting wellness and housing.

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