In 1978, a handful of Asian American mental health professionals from various local Asian American churches began meeting regularly to offer support and consultation to pastors on how to counsel and manage church members with more serious and complex emotional and interpersonal problems. What evolved from these meetings was a vision to create a professional counseling service to serve the members of these churches and the larger community. By 1986, through the generous funding of the American Baptist Churches USA, local Asian American churches, and private donations, the Asian American Christian Counseling Service (AACCS) incorporated and opened its doors as a non-denominational, 501(c)3 non-profit agency.
Since its inception, AACCS has been uniquely positioned to offer programs and services sensitive to the cultural concerns of its clientele as well as issues of faith derived from their religious beliefs. With offices in Alhambra, Torrance, Cerritos, Culver City, and Covina, we have steadfastly maintained counseling services that are affordable and accessible thanks to the on-going financial support of local churches, grants, private donors, and the community at large who support our annual fundraising efforts.
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Services Offered
Counseling Psychotherapy - Our skilled and experienced therapists have specialties in, but are not limited to, issues related to abuse and trauma, addictions, anger management, anxiety, communication, conflict resolution, culture conflict, depression, emotional healing, forgiveness, gender issues, grief and loss, guilt and shame, inter-generational conflict, major life changes and transitions, member care (missionary care), relational conflicts or enrichment, self-esteem and identity conflict, self-destructive behavior, sexuality, and spirituality.
Pre-Marital Counseling - A five-session counseling package that is ideal for couples who are engaged. This package is also appropriate for pre-engaged couples who are considering a formal commitment to engagement and marriage. Through the use of questionnaires and tests, this program incorporates in-depth assessment of family history, personality, and expectations for marriage from a Christian perspective.
Consultation Services - As a community service, AACCS offers telephone consultation to pastors, church leaders, missions boards, para-church organizations, and other community groups for complex mental health issues they may be facing in the course of their work. We offer guidance in problem-solving and how to proceed with making a referral either to AACCS or an appropriate community resource.
For family members and friends of someone who may need counseling services we offer similar guidance, and provide information and referral as needed.
Fees and Payment
- Fees are based on household income. (Counseling Psychotherapy )
- The fee is preset and not based on household income. (Pre-Marital Counseling)
This is a non profit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual Faith-Based
Payment: Sliding Scale
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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.