SOS is a training facility for Therapists Associates and Trainees, offering mental health treatment and services to our community through collaboration with the Schools, the Justice System, and through our Community Counseling Clinics. Our Clinics are open to all community members.
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Services Offered
Counseling Services
Our Perspective The counseling relationship and process can be a powerful tool for enabling positive psychological, emotional, and behavioral growth for individuals and their relationships. The bonds of empathy, awareness and insight that characterize healthy relationships are a cornerstone of individual, family, community, and societal health.
Fees and Payment
Private pay rates are determined at intake, and are based on need and availability. We do not take insurances, but many insurance companies will reimburse you partially for what you pay out-of-pocket. Please call your carrier and ask if they'll reimburse for out-of-network mental health prior to setting an appointment.
We also provide some scholarships for time-limited free counseling for those who qualify thanks to generations donations and funding from local foundations.
Sliding-Scale Fee to those who will qualify. SOS is a registered 501(c)(3) California non-profit, tax ID 81-0676520.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
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.