Chinese American Counseling Service (CACS) was founded in early 2005 by a group of Marriage and Family Therapists who recognized the lack of mental health services for the Chinese community in the South Bay area.
Our mission is to raise awareness in the Chinese community of mental health issues through education and counseling services.
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Services Offered
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are relationship specialists who treat persons involved in interpersonal relationships. They are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals, couples, families and groups to achieve more adequate, satisfying and productive marriage, family and social adjustment. The practice also includes premarital counseling, child counseling, divorce or separation counseling and other relationship counseling. Marriage and Family Therapists are psychotherapists and healing arts practitioners licensed by the State of California. Requirements for licensure include a related doctoral or two-year master's degree, passage of comprehensive written examinations and at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.
Psychologist
Psychologists are trained professionals with expertise in the areas of human behavior, mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and behavior change. They can conduct psychological testing and research.
Clinical Social Worker
Clinical social workers provide mental health services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups. Their goal is to enhance and maintain their patients' physical, psychological, and social function.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses and emotional problems. They can prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and practice psychotherapy.
Fees and Payment
Private Pay - Fees vary depending on the clinician's expertise, level of experience, and location. In California, the average session is $90-$125. For clients who are in a lower income bracket, some therapists may offer a sliding-fee scale. Therapy provided by an intern or a trainee under the supervision of a licensed clinician may be more affordable.
Insurance - Some insurance plans cover or reimburse for mental health care. Your insurance company may require you to see a therapist on its preferred provider network, or it may reimburse for an "out-of-plan" provider who is not on its list. Check with your insurance company about what your policy will cover.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
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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.