Founded in 1985 as A.F.T.E.R. Counseling Agency, our non-profit organization provides psychotherapy, counseling and education to residents of the Sacramento Region to help promote their growth and development. With approximately 20 therapists and 10 Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors, we provide services for over 1,000 individuals, couples, and families per week.
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Services Offered
The Children's Services program is one of the Sacramento County contracted providers of mental health services for Medi-Cal eligible children. Approximately 250 children and their families are seen weekly in office or in the child's school or home for a variety of reasons that affect their day-to-day functioning.
The Behavioral and Community Services (BCS) program provides services to adults and children, either individually, as couples or as families. In addition to psychotherapy, BCS staff offer group counseling in anger management, parenting and co-parenting skills, and as part of juvenile diversion programs run in conjunction with the Citrus Heights Police Department.
The Drinking Driver Program provides counseling and educational services at three locations for those convicted of a DUI or who are required by DMV to attend the program.
Fees and Payment
BCS serves children, adolescents , adults , couples , and families through most managed care insurance plans or private pay (we have a few sliding scale spots open based upon income).
Services Offered To: Adults
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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.