Western Youth Services' (WYS) mission is the advancement of awareness, cultivation of success and strengthening of communities through integrated mental health services for children, youth and families.
We pursue our purpose on three fronts: * Advancing awareness - WYS is the leading expert in mental health and wellness solutions in Orange County. Because our expert team of mental health professionals specializes in working with youth and families, we help the community cut through the stigma preventing at-risk kids from getting the emotional and mental healthcare they deserve. Plus, we're the partner government agencies, school districts and other youth-serving organizations trust. Together, we're fostering a generation of youth able to create and lead successful lives. * Cultivating success - We've redefined mental health services in Orange County to match the right program to suit every child, every family. We have proven, positive results to show the success of our programs - just look to our clients as evidence. After working with us, they emerge as stronger families and happier youth with the skills needed to thrive. * Strengthening communities - We work throughout the community and with youth-serving organizations that help children face their behavioral and emotional issues. Our integrated system ensures all youth in Orange County have access to preventative, early intervention and intensive therapies. We seek out and build upon the strengths of each client and bring out the best in every child, creating healthier and happier families contributing to their communities.
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Services Offered
Medi-Cal Outpatient Clinic Services
As one of the largest mental health contract providers for the Orange County Health Care Agency, WYS provides mental, behavioral and emotional health services to more than 4,000 Medi-Cal families annually at one of our four outpatient clinics in Anaheim, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana and Mission Viejo. These patients are among the most vulnerable of our local population and are referred to us when facing crises.
Western Youth Services provides outpatient mental health services primarily for Orange County Medi-Cal eligible clients up to age twenty-one years old. Individualized and solution-focused services are provided at a level, frequency and duration consistent with each client's treatment goals utilizing Evidenced-Based Practices. Services include but are not limited to clinical interventions, clinical and psycho-diagnostic assessment, family therapy, crisis intervention, treatment planning, discharge planning, case management, linkage to other services, mental health consultations, mediation support, Therapeutic Behavioral Services and advocacy. In addition, collateral services may be provided to support and educate our client's adult caregiver(s). These services are usually provided in our clinics or our client's homes but may also be provided in other locations, such as, schools, Juvenile Hall, and Orangewood Children and Family Center.
Services may include Evidence-Based Practices (EBP), such as: * Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) * Functional Family Therapy (FFT), or * in-home Therapeutic Behavior Services
Fees and Payment
We are a nonprofit organization. We do accept donations that will make an impact to others.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Faith-Based LGBTQ
Payment: Pro-bono Medicare Medicaid
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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.