The Guidance Center has been leading children and families to a brighter future since 1946, providing quality and comprehensive mental health care to over 3,000 children and families each year in the communities of Long Beach, Compton, San Pedro, and Avalon.
Services Offered
The Guidance Center has been leading children and families to a brighter future for more than 70 years. We work closely with families who are committed to giving their children a better life. We are dedicated to helping each child build on his or her own strengths so that they will have a successful and brighter future.
We offer a broad array of services to almost 3,000 under-served children, teens and families. From prevention, to early intervention, to treating more serious chronic illnesses, our Services Offered:-Comprehensive mental health treatment such as individual, group and family therapy, crisis intervention, case management, and community education/outreach -Intensive mental health treatment in Long Beach for children and families who require more than is provided in a traditional clinic setting -School based services at more than 40 schools within the Long Beach Unified and Paramount School Districts -Smaller clinics in Compton and San Pedro as well as satellite services on Catalina Island, where we are the only service provider available to children -Organized professional training programs in the disciplines of clinical social work, predoctoral psychology and marriage and family therapy
The Guidance Center also works closely with public schools, allied agencies, several county departments (Mental Health, Children and Family Services, Probation, Office of Education, Alcohol and Drug Program Administration), community partners, and other professionals.
Fees and Payment
We are funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. We also receive funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations. We are a non-for-profit organization.
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.
