We provide substance abuse and mental health counseling and recovery services to middle and low income individuals and families in Monterey County, California. Virtually all of the work we do at CHS addresses underlying conditions or root causes of personal, family and community problems, whether it's addiction, domestic violence, mental illness, emotional health, homelessness, child abuse, or any number of problems that people have trouble solving on their own. We help our clients develop new skills and support networks, learn new behaviors, and learn how to utilize community resources. Ultimately, our services affect change in the community by reducing the need for social services, law enforcement, hospitals, jails and prisons, and by improving school attendance, performance and social outcomes for children.
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Services Offered
Outpatient counseling - Affordable mental health counseling is available for adults, children, couples, and families at CHS' Family Service Centers. Counseling is provided by licensed therapists and clinically supervised interns.
* Comprehensive mental health and self sufficiency assessment * Goal setting and periodic re-assessment * Proven therapeutic techniques in a supportive setting * Walk-in and crisis appointments available * Information and referral as necessary
Substance use prevention progam - Substance Use Prevention Program (SUPP) is a school-based counseling program for students. The program aims to provide socio-emotional support to students and to address and identify substance use and abuse issues. This program focuses on substance use prevention and education, anger management techniques, and provides additional support to all participants.
* Individual and group counseling * Consultation with parents/teachers/school staff * Student and parent presentations (as requested) * Information and referrals * YATV (Youth Alternatives to Violence program) for self-referred, suspended, and/or expelled students * ADAPT, a student-centered approach to substance use prevention * The Seven Challenges drug intervention program
Substance abuse - CHS offers residential and outpatient substance abuse counseling and recovery options. Affordable, comprehensive treatment is available for adults with drug and alcohol addictions. We provide treatment from the perspective that a firm foundation of physical, emotional and spiritual health is vital to continued recovery.
Mental health - CHS' Family Service Centers offer a variety of professional, affordable mental health programs for low-income individuals and families. With locations in Salinas and Seaside, it's easy to find a Family Service Center near you and services that meet your needs.
Fees and Payment
Fees are assessed on a sliding scale based on ability to pay. Clients with Medi-Cal pay only their monthly share of costs and must contact the Monterey County Health Department Behavioral Health Division for assessment prior to receiving services We are also a nonprofit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual Faith-Based
Payment: Sliding Scale
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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.