Established in 1989 as a private, non-profit organization, KidsFirst's mission is to treat and prevent child abuse and neglect through Education, Advocacy, and Counseling, to empower and strengthen children and families. Our vision is that all children live in a safe, healthy, and nurturing home. We are dedicated to helping families by providing them with the tools they need to cope with difficult life circumstances before they become overwhelming. With counseling and family resource centers in Auburn and Roseville, our programs target the most vulnerable children, families and neighborhoods. We strengthen families by Educating, Advocating and Changing Lives. Our programs include Wellness, Information and Referral and Education and Outreach.
You May Also Consider (Sponsored)
Thinking of Online Therapy Instead? Try 100% Online Therapy
Skip driving and the waiting room. Starting is easy. Take a simple guided quiz and let us know your preferences. Get matched to an licensed therapist right for you.
Have you been in therapy before?
Services Offered
Direct KidsFirst services include child and family therapy, healing therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), postpartum depression therapy, after-school youth enrichment, peer-to-peer mentoring, tutoring, support groups, parenting classes, in-home parent education, health insurance and CalFresh enrollment assistance. Community workshops, parent leadership training, referrals, and resources are also available.
Fees and Payment
We offer no cost, innovative programs that aim to keep children safe from harm. A free, friendly, accessible community hubs so families have a lasting network of wellness and support.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare
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.