San Diego Center for Children

San Diego Center for Children The San Diego Center for Children is a nonprofit organization providing mental health and educational services to children and teens.

San Diego’s oldest children’s nonprofit providing a continuum of mental health and educational services to children struggling with mental, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges. We offer a range of different mental health services including outpatient, school-based, in-home wraparound, and intensive clinical services. We also have a schools for learning disabilities, a residential center, and a

program to provide therapy and other supportive services to youth in foster family agency homes. We accept Medi-Cal Managed Care and most commercial insurances.

We see every day how early mental health support can help children and families thrive. By building resilience, strength...
06/18/2026

We see every day how early mental health support can help children and families thrive. By building resilience, strengthening connections, and providing tools for growth, we can create brighter futures together.

When we asked our staff what mental health support means to them, Brenna, our Recreation Therapist Manager, shared her perspective. 💙

Mental health care continues to evolve thanks to researchers and clinicians dedicated to understanding the experiences o...
06/17/2026

Mental health care continues to evolve thanks to researchers and clinicians dedicated to understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Dr. John Pachankis has helped advance the field through his research on LGBTQ+ mental health and minority stress—the unique challenges that can arise from stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion. His work has contributed to evidence-based approaches that help LGBTQ+ individuals build resilience and improve well-being.

By better understanding these experiences, mental health professionals can provide more affirming and effective support to those who need it most.

⛳ SAVE THE DATE ⛳Mark your calendars! The 8th Annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament is teeing off on September 25, 2026, a...
06/12/2026

⛳ SAVE THE DATE ⛳

Mark your calendars! The 8th Annual Kids Classic Golf Tournament is teeing off on September 25, 2026, at 8:00 AM.

Join us for a day on the course in support of children and families receiving critical mental health services. Whether you're a returning golfer, sponsor, or joining us for the first time, your participation helps create brighter futures for youth in our community.

More details, registration, and sponsorship opportunities coming soon!

Advice from a Therapist ☀️Summer schedules can bring lots of fun—and sometimes unexpected stress.When big feelings show ...
06/11/2026

Advice from a Therapist ☀️

Summer schedules can bring lots of fun—and sometimes unexpected stress.

When big feelings show up, remember these coping skills:
🌳 Spend time outdoors
📝 Write down your thoughts
🎵 Listen to music
🤝 Connect with a trusted friend or family member

Healthy coping skills help us navigate challenges, build resilience, and take care of our mental well-being all year long.

Pride in Mental Health: Laura BrownThis Pride Month, we're highlighting LGBTQ+ leaders whose work has helped shape moder...
06/10/2026

Pride in Mental Health: Laura Brown

This Pride Month, we're highlighting LGBTQ+ leaders whose work has helped shape modern mental health care.

Dr. Laura Brown is a psychologist, author, and educator known for her contributions to trauma treatment, feminist therapy, and LGBTQ+ affirmative care. Throughout her career, she has advocated for mental health practices that recognize and respect the unique experiences of marginalized communities, helping to create more inclusive and effective care for countless individuals.

Her work reminds us that mental health care is strongest when every person feels seen, heard, and valued.

🏳️‍🌈 Celebrating the leaders who continue to move the field forward.

Too Early for Back-to-School? We Don't Think So.We know. It's summer. The backpacks are packed away. Nobody wants to thi...
06/09/2026

Too Early for Back-to-School? We Don't Think So.

We know. It's summer. The backpacks are packed away. Nobody wants to think about homework yet. 😅

But August will be here before we know it!

That's why we're getting an early start on our Back-to-School Drive. Help us collect the supplies students need to walk into the new school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.

A little planning now can make a big difference later. 🎒✨ Visit www.centerforchildren.org/ready to learn more!

Summer days may look different, but a little structure can go a long way. ☀️When school is out, maintaining a routine ca...
06/06/2026

Summer days may look different, but a little structure can go a long way. ☀️

When school is out, maintaining a routine can help children feel safe, confident, and prepared for each day. Routines don't have to be rigid—simple, predictable habits like consistent wake-up times, regular meals, and daily activities can support emotional well-being all summer long.

Small routines create a sense of stability, helping children thrive while still enjoying all the fun that summer has to offer. 💙

Science and Discovery Week was full of hands-on learning, creativity, and plenty of fun!From building cardboard robots a...
06/05/2026

Science and Discovery Week was full of hands-on learning, creativity, and plenty of fun!

From building cardboard robots and creating play-dough volcanoes to making homemade ice cream and testing their engineering skills with an egg drop challenge, our students explored science through curiosity and discovery every step of the way.

These activities encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking while showing that learning can be exciting, engaging, and memorable. We loved seeing our young scientists experiment, create, and discover new possibilities.

🔬🌋🤖🥚🍦

A few weeks ago, our youth had the opportunity to explore future possibilities during Career Day, and we're still feelin...
06/04/2026

A few weeks ago, our youth had the opportunity to explore future possibilities during Career Day, and we're still feeling grateful for everyone who made it such a meaningful experience.

Thank you to the professionals, community partners, and volunteers who took the time to share your career journeys, experiences, and advice. By showing up and investing in our youth, you helped expand their view of what's possible and inspired them to dream bigger about their futures.

Representation, encouragement, and real-world connections matter. Thank you for helping our youth see the many paths they can take and the incredible things they can become.

✨ Your impact goes far beyond one day.

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈💙This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of LGBTQ+ individuals and ...
06/04/2026

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈💙

This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Every child, teen, and family deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported for who they are.

The mental health field has come a long way in its understanding and support of LGBTQ+ individuals. For decades, LGBTQ+ advocates, clinicians, researchers, and community leaders worked to challenge stigma and advance affirming, evidence-based care. Their efforts helped reshape mental health practices to better recognize the dignity, strengths, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Today, affirming care continues to play an important role in helping LGBTQ+ youth and families feel supported, respected, and empowered.

At San Diego Center for Children, we believe that affirming environments and compassionate mental health care can make a meaningful difference in a young person's life. This Pride Month, we honor those who helped pave the way—and reaffirm our commitment to fostering spaces where all youth can feel safe, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Because everyone deserves access to compassionate, inclusive mental health care.

Address

3002 Armstrong Street
San Diego, CA
92111

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18582779550

Website

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