Scotts Valley Counseling Center is committed to providing affordable, high-quality counseling, including bilingual services for our Spanish-speaking community. Our Interns understand not only mental health issues, but also the impact and importance of diversity in our society. We believe that diversity is the natural human condition - we are all different, and we are all valuable. We believe that respect for, and understanding of, diversity are crucial to providing quality counseling services.
Scotts Valley Counseling Center's mission is to provide affordable therapy services to the greater Santa Cruz area. We increase access to high-quality mental health services for underserved populations, especially youth, promoting a healthier, more inclusive, and socially just society. Our Registered Interns allow us to offer reduced fees based on need, and support our synergistic goal to provide excellent training for future therapists, further increasing access to mental health care.
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Take a simple guided quiz and let us know your preferences. Get matched to an online therapist right for you. Convenient and affordable online therapy from your phone, tablet or computer.
We take MediCal insurance. We Accept CASH, CHECKS, and CREDIT CARDS. We also provide free counseling and life skills groups to children in Scotts Valley schools. We are also a nonprofit agency.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
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.