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Frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions,
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Whether you’re considering booking an appointment, making a donation, or getting more involved, below is a list of our most commonly asked questions. 

Medical Services
Parenting Support
About Claris Health

Medical Services

Some women experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or may not be present at all. In this case, we recommend waiting to take a pregnancy test until your period is late.

When the sperm penetrates an egg during conception, your body produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Urine-based pregnancy tests detect the presence of hCG in your body which is an indication of a possible pregnancy.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) are often called the “morning after pill.” In the United States, there are two kinds of ECPs. One is called Plan B One-Step. The other is called Next Choice. ECP should prevent pregnancy from occurring, but must be used soon after unprotected intercourse to be effective.  If you are already pregnant, none of the Emergency contraceptive pills have been shown to harm the health of the fetus.  If you have not had your period within a week of expecting it, you should take a pregnancy test.According to WomensHealth.gov after you have taken ECPs, your next period may come sooner or later than normal. Most women will get their period within 7 days of the expected date. Your period also may be heavier, lighter, or more spotty than normal. If you do not get your period in 3 weeks or if you think you might be pregnant after taking ECPs, take a pregnancy test.*Source

Parenting Support

We have a short intake packet for you to fill out when you come. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to complete this process.

As an active participant in our program, you will have the opportunity to receive diapers and wipes twice a month (although you may attend as many classes as you would like). Additionally, you will have access to our free Baby Store (baby and maternity clothing, baby gear, and more) two times a month. 

We offer court-approved Breakthrough Parenting classes and one-on-one sessions. Successful completion of the course requires attending all sessions and completing the workbook. Upon completion, the client will receive a certificate and letter of completion for court. There is a $20 materials fee for the workbook, but all classes are free.

Classes are typically about 30-60 minutes with shopping time at the end.

Parking is free at our West LA Support Center and our Lynwood Clinic!

Children are definitely welcome at our classes. However, it does get a bit loud. Please bring something to entertain them so that you can concentrate on the class.

You are able to attend as many classes and one-on-one sessions as you would like! Shopping and diapers/wipes are limited to twice a month, but we love to see you as much as possible. 

You can always drop in to one of our classes, but it is nice to know you are coming!

About Claris Health

Claris Health is licensed by the California Department of Public Health as a Primary Care Clinic.  Claris is also accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
We adhere to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which establishes national standards to protect patients’ medical records and other individually identifiable health information. You can read more about our privacy statement here.

Claris’ medical services are provided by licensed clinicians. Depending on the appointment time and location, you will be seen by either a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Certified Nurse Midwife or Registered Nurse. Additionally, your medical record will be independently reviewed by our Medical Director (OB/GYN).

All of our services are either free or very low cost.  You can view a list of services here and contact us if you’re interested in booking an appointment or discussing cost(s).

Claris Health provides services regardless of insurance status. The only exception to this is with regard to our group-based prenatal care, which requires insurance so that we can order necessary labs, etc. If you are pregnant and qualify, we can sign you up for presumptive eligibility (emergency) Medi-Cal insurance.

We are in-network with some insurance plans, and we can accept some additional insurance plans. Please let us know if you have Medi-Cal or private insurance. We will check to see if you are eligible to bill for some services. If you’re not eligible, we’ll either provide the service for free or discuss a sliding scale price before your visit. Also, if you need and qualify for Medi-cal, Claris staff may be able to assign you to an emergency Medi-Cal plan. 

Claris Health provides services regardless of insurance status. If you are pregnant and qualify, Claris Health can sign you up for presumptive eligibility (emergency) medi-cal insurance. All other patients needing health insurance will be referred to DPSS, local primary care clinics with enrollment specialists, My Health LA, or Covered California depending on their needs.

Claris Health does not perform abortions.  There are many providers in our area who specialize in abortion. We specialize in providing a safe space for you to explore all of your pregnancy options. Since we also offer pregnancy loss/post-abortion counseling, we provide a neutral support system, regardless of your decision, so you can feel safe to return for ongoing support.

We don’t provide direct referrals to a particular clinic, and California doesn’t require an abortion referral. There are many providers in our area who perform that service. If you do not know who to contact, a clinic can be found through a quick internet search or you can reach out to your insurance company for direct referrals to in-network providers.  We do provide medical education, information, and counseling on this choice.

Yes, we can offer the following services to anyone considering an abortion:
  1. Pregnancy test verified by a medical professional 
  2. Ultrasound (following national AIUM (American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine) guidelines) to confirm cardiac activity (pregnancy viability), intrauterine pregnancy (fetal location), and gestational age of the pregnancy. These are all important to determine after initially confirming a pregnancy with a urine or blood pregnancy test.  These are all recommended prior to undergoing a pregnancy termination.   
  3. Time to address questions or concerns with a medical professional 

We provide services to all individuals regardless of the pregnancy decision or outcome. If you have chosen to terminate a pregnancy, and want to process that decision, you’re welcome to do so in a one-on-one (therapy) or group environment at Claris.

Claris does not facilitate adoptions.  We encourage anyone interested in adoption to work with licensed, ethical adoption providers (agencies and attorneys) who are following best practices including separate legal representation for expectant moms, reasonable fees, written contact agreements and post-adoption care for birth mothers. 

No, we are not a religious or faith-based organization. Claris Health is a community-based non-profit organization that provides services without discrimination. The Board, staff and volunteers at Claris are largely comprised of Christian individuals, and this often provides the motivation for the work we do.

Claris Health works within a network of over 400 community partners including other medical clinics, non-profits, governmental agencies and faith-based organizations.  Additionally, there are some churches and other faith-based organizations that promote Claris Health within their networks and provide financial support.

Claris Health is not politically affiliated. We educate on all pregnancy options and specialize in parenting, adoption, and post-abortion support.  Regardless of your choice, we are there to assist you in the months following with parenting, adoption, or post-abortion/pregnancy loss support.  

We are happy to offer our virtual services. Click here to learn more about virtual services.

Claris Health provides services to all individuals regardless of immigration status. We can also connect undocumented individuals with legal and immigration services as well as health insurance (through My Health LA).

Yes, we work with survivors of trafficking to provide much needed medical services (STI testing, pregnancy services, pap testing etc.) as well as case management, counseling and support programs (adoption, pregnancy loss or parenting support). Our staff is trained in identifying and working with trafficking survivors and providing a trauma-informed approach to care.

Claris’ staff participates in collaborative meetings, such as the Compton Human Trafficking Taskforce and The LA Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce, aimed at preventing and protecting victims of trafficking. We also work in close partnership with several agencies that work with survivors of trafficking including Forgotten Children, Inc., Qualified, CAST, Saving Innocence and Star View Community Services CSEC division.

Clarity & Care
every step of the way.

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