San Diego State University College of Education Services
San Diego State University College of Education Services
When young children have a rough day they are unlikely to discuss their cognitive struggles or provide explanations for their emotions or behaviors, as they have not yet developed the ability to adequately express their experiences through speech. One way children are able to process their thoughts and emotions is through play. Another reason children play is because there is very little in their environment under their control. Through play, children are able to reenact an event and even change the outcome if they wish. This is especially true for children who have experienced trauma, as children often blame themselves or are afraid to talk about a specific situation even though they are trying to make sense of the experience and feel secure again. When children reenact a trauma using symbolization, such as talking about a doll or fictitious character, they feel free to share their experiences. Play Therapy offers children the opportunity and permission to share and process what is going on internally. Play Therapy is both a powerful and effective method used in a variety of cultures and by many therapists all over the United States and in over 20 other countries around the world.
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Services Offered
The clinic offers individual family services for families experiencing trauma, conflict, or life challenges, such as:
* Parenting Concerns * Parent-child bonding * Pre-/post-natal adjustment * Foster-adopt placement challenges * Transition to parenthood * Couples support around parenting and the family * Social-Emotional Development * Trauma * Behavioral challenges at home
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Languages: English,Spanish
Payment: Sliding Scale
Online Counseling: Yes
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Qualifying for assistance from California's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to California's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.