Strengthening individuals. Strengthening families. Strengthening community. That's what Jewish Family and Children's Services is all about.
As the problem-solving center for residents of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties, we are a lifeline for children, families, and older adults facing personal crises or challenges. Whether it's help for a major life transition or support for other challenges, JFCS is here for you. We have over 40 programs, including home care for seniors, therapy for children, youth volunteer programs, services for people with disabilities, and much more.
JFCS serves people of all faiths and backgrounds with our comprehensive system of care. Our professional teams bring years of experience to every client who walks through the door. As a national leader in developing innovative human services, JFCS incorporates the latest research and best practices to ensure everyone get the highest quality services and care.
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Services Offered
Children At JFCS' Parents Place, we offer child and family counseling, specialized therapies, clinical services, social skills groups, and expert teams to support children so they can reach their full potential.
Our highly experienced staff includes licensed child psychologists, clinical social workers, occupational therapists, and speech therapists who work holistically together. We provide your children with the support, guidance, and practical strategies to grow into amazing adults.
YouthFirst JFCS' YouthFirst helps teens develop the necessary life skills to move into young adulthood smoothly, successfully, and responsibly through a Jewish values-based lens. Our innovative programs include Jewish service learning, leadership skills development, internships, and career exploration. Adults & Families * Counseling & Consultation - JFCS' counselors and therapists are highly trained clinicians with the experience and expertise to provide effective mental health services to clients who may be experiencing conditions such as: > Depression > Anxiety disorders > Grief or loss > Loneliness > Significant life transitions, such as divorce, separation, job loss, or illness > Difficulty forming meaningful relationships > Other conditions relating to emotional well-being
* LGBTQ Services - At Jewish Family and Children's Services, we are proud of our strong commitment to full equality and inclusion of members of the LGBTQ community. We welcome our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff, board members, volunteers, and clients as essential members of the JFCS family.
JFCS reaches out with programs geared specifically to meet the LGBTQ community's needs. > Adoption and post-adoption services > Services for people with HIV > Workshops and seminars > Counseling services for LGBTQ individuals, couples, and families-with special outreach to the elderly.
* Grief and Bereavement Counseling - Grief and bereavement counseling helps individuals and families of all faiths and backgrounds who are experiencing such grief and loss. > Individual Counseling - We provide individual counseling for those in mourning to express their feelings openly and to explore the practical, psychological, and spiritual issues that often arise at these times.
> Grief Support Groups - If you have experienced a personal loss the Grieving the Loss of a Loved One bereavement group welcomes you. This eight week series, facilitated by professional grief counselors, is a way for those coping with the loss of a loved one to find support, community and healing.
Fees and Payment
This is a non profit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Special Groups: Bilingual
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.