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.
Our offices will be closed from Monday, March 16th until further notice.
During this time, we will be closely monitoring the situation as it develops to ensure the well-being of our clients, their families, our staff, board members and supporters. We are also following all recommendations provided from the City of Long Beach, the County of Los Angeles and the State of California as well as the universal precautions established by the CDC as outlined on the CDC website. The Guidance Center is committed to being a safe place for everyone. Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult and challenging time. In health, 
Patricia Costales, LCSW CEO
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are my appointments canceled?
Your therapist will contact you with updated information on how to proceed with your session.
- How do I contact my therapist?
As noted above, your therapist will be in contact with you to discuss your therapy session(s). If you do not hear from your therapist or cannot get a hold of him/her please call: 562-595-1159
- What do I do or who do I contact if my child is in crisis?
If there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Nuestras oficinas estarán cerradas hasta nuevo aviso.
Durante este tiempo, estaremos monitoreando cercanamente la situación a medida que se desarrolla, para asegurar el bienestar de nuestros clientes, sus familias, nuestro personal, miembros de la junta, y simpatizantes. También estamos siguiendo todas las recomendaciones proporcionadas por la ciudad de Long Beach, el condado de Los Angeles, y el estado de California, así como las precauciones universales establecidas por el CDC como se describe en el sitio web del CDC. The Guidance Center se compromete a ser un lugar seguro para todos. Gracias por tu apoyo y comprensión durante este momento difícil y agobiante. En buena salud, Patricia Costales, LCSW Directora Ejecutiva
Preguntas Frecuentes:
¿Mis citas están canceladas? • Tu terapeuta se pondrá en contacto contigo con información sobre cómo continuar con tus sesiónes. ¿Cómo me comunico con mi terapeuta? • Tu terapeuta se pondrá en contacto contigo para discutir tu(s) sesión(s) de terapia. Si no recibes noticias de tu terapeuta o no puede ponerte en contacto con él o ella, llame al: 562-595-1159 ¿Qué hago o con quién me comunico si mi hijo está en crisis? • Si hay una emergencia potencialmente mortal, por favor llame al 9-1-1.
15 million
An estimated 15 million of our nation’s young people can currently be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
less than 20%
Less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.
one in five
One in five children suffer from a mental health or learning disorder, and 80% of chronic mental disorders begin in childhood.
our impact
The Guidance Center stands as a beacon and provider of hope for our community’s most disadvantaged children and families. This is achieved through our comprehensive mental health treatment and early intervention and prevention programs.
Outcomes
9 out of 10
Parents report their child’s behavior problems decreased & life improved.
3 out of 4
Adults seen report decreased symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or depression.
2 out of 3
Parents report their child’s behavior problems decreased & life improved.
37
CALWorks clients obtained jobs
success stories
Our clients battle and overcome different hardships, obstacles or traumas. When they arrive at The Guidance Center, children and their families begin their journey together to find healing and hope. With the support of our compassionate team of therapists, they leave with confidence, strength and the tools to thrive toward positive and productive futures.
Roll Call Training Videos
Learn the skills needed to keep your officers and the community safe – without taking anyone off duty. Gain access to the Roll Call Training Video series at no cost here.
The Bridge Documentary
Experience the documentary that challenges perceptions of poverty, exposes its devastating effects on mental health, and reveals the trauma-informed approach as a part of the wider solution to breaking poverty’s intergenerational cycle.