Maple Counseling

11/11/2025

Thank you for the front-page coverage of Maple Counseling’s annual Tea & Tequila fundraiser!

The evening was a powerful reminder of what compassion can do when a community comes together. Maple Counseling CEO Varina Bleil spoke about the emotional toll the recent LA fires have taken:

“We’ve all witnessed the wildfires that devastated communities and separated neighbors from neighbors—it’s left a deep emotional scar for many people.”

Maple is here to help people heal from those invisible wounds. 💛 Our mission is simple: to make quality mental-health care accessible to everyone, regardless of circumstance.

11/04/2025

What an unforgettable evening!

Tea & Tequila 2025 brought our community together in the most meaningful way — raising a historic $1 million to support Maple Counseling’s mission of making quality mental health care accessible to all.

We were honored to celebrate Fire Chief Gregory Barton (Judy Briskin Spirit of Community Award) and Monica Berkett Dragoon (Heart of Gold Award) for their compassion, courage, and commitment to community wellbeing.

Thank you to our generous sponsors, donors, and guests whose kindness and energy filled The Maybourne Beverly Hills with so much heart!

10/24/2025

We’re honored to have Ally Walker as our Keynote Speaker at this year’s Tea & Tequila in support of Maple Counseling.

An afternoon of connection, inspiration, and impact — made even more special by a community that shows up for mental health. 💛

This year’s event is officially SOLD OUT — thank you to everyone who secured their seat to support accessible mental health care for our community.

09/24/2025

Join us on Friday, Dec 5th from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM for a Maple CE on Social Media and Mental Health Challenges for Children, Teens, and Adults with Erica Felsenthal, PhD. Join today for early bird pricing at $39. To register, visit: https://loom.ly/4gzwyJY

09/05/2025

Maple Counseling will lead an Art and Connection workshop at ’ Day of Wellness on September 14th! Bring your families and let’s connect through art at 11:30 AM in room C at Roxbury Park Community Center. See you there!

08/28/2025

Join us for Maple Counseling’s Third Annual Tea & Tequila!
🗓️ Sunday, October 26, 2025
🕓 4:00 PM
📍 The Maybourne Beverly Hills

This year, we are proud to honor two extraordinary leaders:
💛 Monica Berkett Dragoon, LMFT – Heart of Gold Award
🔥 Fire Chief Gregory Barton – Judy Briskin Spirit of Community Award

Experience a very special afternoon high tea with a playful twist of lime, featuring:
Gourmet delicacies by The Maybourne’s Executive Chef
Claridge’s finest teas
Casa Azul award-winning tequila tastings

Your support helps Maple Counseling provide accessible, life-changing mental health services for children, families, and communities across Los Angeles. For Tickets & Sponsorships visit maple4counseling.org/events.

08/28/2025

Join us for Maple Counseling’s Third Annual Tea & Tequila!
🗓️ Sunday, October 26, 2025
🕓 4:00 PM
📍 The Maybourne Beverly Hills
This year, we are proud to honor two extraordinary leaders:
💛 Monica Berkett Dragoon, LMFT – Heart of Gold Award
🔥 Fire Chief Gregory Barton – Judy Briskin Spirit of Community Award

Experience a very special afternoon high tea with a playful twist of lime, featuring:

🍴Gourmet delicacies by The Maybourne’s Executive Chef
🍵 Claridge’s finest teas
🥃 Azul award-winning tequila tastings

Your support helps Maple Counseling provide accessible, life-changing mental health services for children, families, and communities across Los Angeles. For Tickets & Sponsorships visit maple4counseling.org/events.

07/31/2025

Maple Counseling was honored to join to share tools for coping with anxiety and trauma. Maple Counseling CEO, Varina Bleil shares grounding techniques and mental health support for those navigating fear and stress in these uncertain times. Watch the full segment at KTLA.com.

07/31/2025

Maple Featured on KTLA!
Our CEO shares tips for staying grounded during unsteady times

Whether you turn on your tv or open your social media apps, it’s hard to escape the disheartening headlines from around the world. For many, this can be triggering and heavy for our well-being. Mental health experts say we "shouldn't freak out". We were joined by Varina Bleil, the CEO of the menta...

07/30/2025

En tiempos de incertidumbre, Maple Counseling está aquí para brindarte estabilidad.

Prueba esta sencilla técnica de aterrizaje cuando sientas ansiedad—y recuerda, no estás solo. Si necesitas más apoyo, nuestro Centro de Bienvenida está a solo una llamada de distancia, y siempre es gratuito.

07/29/2025

Maple Counseling was featured in CBS News Los Angeles for our art therapy initiatives supporting families impacted by January’s wildfires.

In collaboration with the Pasadena Public Library, we offer innovative approaches to trauma recovery—especially for children whose grief and anxiety may go unseen. Through art, families are reclaiming their stories and rebuilding emotional resilience.

We’re honored to walk alongside our neighbors in restoring hope and belonging. Watch the story: https://loom.ly/VPbSrr8

07/28/2025

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Wallis Annenberg. As Chair of the Annenberg Foundation , Wallis redefined what it means to lead with empathy, conviction, and generosity.

Through her support, Maple Counseling was able to grow our Briskin | Wilder Welcome Center—funding staff salaries through 2026, hiring an additional part-time counselor, and expanding our presence in the community. In 2024 alone, BWWC Fellows served more than 1,200 individuals outside of our traditional therapy programs.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Annenberg family, the Foundation, and all those whose lives were touched by Wallis Annenberg’s extraordinary leadership.

We honor her legacy by continuing the work she believed in so fiercely—building a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world.

Rest in peace, Wallis.