Serving over 1,000 children and families every day
The San Diego Center for Children has cared for children and strengthened families since its establishment in 1887 and is one of San Diego’s most trusted leaders in the provision of comprehensive services for children struggling with mental, emotional, and/or behavioral disorders and their families. With 8 program sites (anchored by a 12-acre main campus) the Center serves over 1,000 at-risk and underserved individuals every day.
The Center has developed the most comprehensive continuum of pediatric mental health and education services in the County providing life-changing support for both youth and their families. Our services include integrated care in pediatrics, outpatient and in-school services, wraparound in-home support, intensive clinical services, a therapeutic school, and residential treatment.
Through our advocacy efforts, the Center has significantly improved access to care by establishing contracts for most services with Managed Care MediCal and Commercial Insurance companies, in addition to the County of San Diego and all school districts in the region. This comprehensive and diversified approach represents an innovative way to bring much-needed services to more families and children in need.
San Diego Center for Children strives to:
- Promote long-term individual success by supporting and educating youth with mental, emotional challenges and their families
- Support at-risk youth during their transition to adulthood
- Impact early diagnosis and treatment rates of mental health disorders in San Diego County by increasing access to early assessment opportunities
Our Theory of Change:
The Center’s Theory of Change, which drives each of our programs, focuses on the prevention and early identification of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders—followed by timely and accessible clinical, educational, and family-centered interventions wherein families feel empowered and children reach their full potential.
Early identification and interventions are key. Through timely, tailored, and integrated treatment and support, the Center gives youth the best possible chance to discover and reach their potential. The Center provides life-changing support for both youth and their families, including specialized academic programs, wraparound in-home support, and intensive, clinic-based outpatient and residential treatment. This comprehensive approach represents an innovative way to bring much-needed services to families and children in need.
Read our Latest Impact Report
Read about how the Center, with your support, adapted out programs during the unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis and also launched new programs to meet new, emerging needs.
Contact us to learn how we can help your family
Si necesita ayuda para su hijo(a) o tiene preguntas, llámenos al (858) 277-9550.
Phone
Address
Main Campus:
3002 Armstrong Street
San Diego, CA 92111