Welcoming. Trustworthy. Innovative. Caring. These qualities have defined VCC since it first opened in the basement of a local animal shelter in 1972. VCC quickly became the health care safety net for the area's poor and uninsured by giving them access to the high quality health services that they needed and deserved. Today VCC is recognized as a key regional health provider with eight state-of-the-art clinics treating more than 65,000 patients each year. Our innovative model of community health provides low cost, high quality health care to the residents of San Diego , Riverside and Orange county communities.
In simple terms, "behavioral health" is how a person thinks, feels and acts when faced with life's situations. Sometimes life can get difficult and our emotions or thoughts can be overwhelming. If you or someone you know is having difficulty behaving in healthy ways with others or themselves, they may benefit from behavioral health services. VCC offers a range of programs and services to help patients think and feel better.
Counseling and Therapy
-Psychiatry services -One-on-one therapy with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) -Identification of mental or behavioral health issues -Coping and support skills -Referral to support groups and other services
Fees and Payment
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cash and checks. We also accept most insurances. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance cards with you. If you don't have insurance, we can still help you.
Depending on your needs and eligibility, we can help you access no cost programs. If you don't qualify, we also offer a sliding fee scale. Based on your family income and number of family members in your household, you may be: -Eligible for a full discount and will pay only a nominal fee; or -Eligible for a partial discount and nominal fee.
If you have a change in the size of your family or how much money your family makes, please notify the front desk, as this may change the program for which you are eligible.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare Medicaid
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?
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.
