Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1979, Open Paths Counseling Center was formed as a compassionate response to the lack of affordable mental health services in Los Angeles. We believe that quality mental healthcare should not be reserved for the few and the privileged.
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Services Offered
COUNSELING FOR ADULTS, COUPLES, FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Open Paths offers therapeutic counseling in English and Spanish to members of the community who are unable to afford standard fees for mental health services. We assist clients with a variety of psychological disorders with positive support and care. Some of the services include individual, marital, child and family therapy, group therapy and parenting education.
Open Paths Therapy Groups: SOCIAL ANXIETY SUPPORT GROUP For those who are uncomfortable or afraid in social settings. Learn tips and tools to gain confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Offered in English only at this time.
LGBTQIA THERAPY & SUPPORT Our LGBTQIA affirmative therapists provide a safe environment to talk about your personal and unique situation with someone who is knowledgeable, non-judgemental, and understanding. Open Paths Counseling Center is proud to be a provider of sensitive and professional LGBTQIA support for the gender non-conforming community.
THERAPY OUTREACH PROGRAM Open Paths Counseling Center's Therapy Outreach Program (TOP) provides culturally sensitive, trauma-informed therapists to social service and educational organizations serving low-income, under-resourced communities in Los Angeles, on-site, at their locations.
Fees and Payment
Open Paths offers counseling utilizing a sliding scale fee structure to members of the community who are unable to afford standard fees for therapy.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono Medicare Medicaid
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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.