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’re proud to highlight Janelle Battaglia, for representing us as a panelist at the National Association of Therapeutic...
02/21/2026

We’re proud to highlight Janelle Battaglia, for representing us as a panelist at the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) Conference!

Janelle spoke on the panel, “More than One Stream: Unlocking Funding Sources for Therapeutic Care,” sharing insights on innovative and sustainable funding pathways that expand access to therapeutic services for youth and families.

She was joined by an incredible group of leaders in the field, including Annie Thomas from the California Alliance, who traveled from Sacramento to participate, along with Trina Quinney-Packard, Karen Fessel, Sydel Morris, and Maureen Brown.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of important conversations that strengthen therapeutic care systems and ultimately support better outcomes for the communities we serve. Way to go, Janelle! 👏

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

We’re proud to highlight Janelle Battaglia, for representing us as a panelist at the National Association of Therapeutic...
02/21/2026

We’re proud to highlight Janelle Battaglia, for representing us as a panelist at the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) Conference!

Janelle spoke on the panel, “More than One Stream: Unlocking Funding Sources for Therapeutic Care,” sharing insights on innovative and sustainable funding pathways that expand access to therapeutic services for youth and families.

She was joined by an incredible group of leaders in the field, including Annie Thomas from the California Alliance, who traveled from Sacramento to participate, along with Trina Quinney-Packard, Karen Fessel, Sydel Morris, and Maureen Brown.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of important conversations that strengthen therapeutic care systems and ultimately support better outcomes for the communities we serve. Way to go, Janelle! 👏

Meet Dr. Joy Harden BradfordDr. Joy Harden Bradford has transformed the mental health conversation by creating spaces wh...
02/20/2026

Meet Dr. Joy Harden Bradford

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford has transformed the mental health conversation by creating spaces where healing is accessible, affirming, and culturally responsive. Through her work as a psychologist and founder of Therapy for Black Girls, she has helped reduce stigma and expand access to care for millions.

When representation and understanding lead the way, hope grows here for individuals, families, and communities seeking support.

👉 Learn more about mental health resources and support by visiting our website at centerforchildren.org.

✨ Have you gotten your tickets yet?Party With A Purpose is coming April 30 — neon vibes, live music, and a mission that ...
02/19/2026

✨ Have you gotten your tickets yet?

Party With A Purpose is coming April 30 — neon vibes, live music, and a mission that matters!

🎟 Get yours now: centerforchildren.org/party

Looking to make a real difference in the lives of youth? The San Diego Center for Children is hiring a Skills Trainer to...
02/19/2026

Looking to make a real difference in the lives of youth? The San Diego Center for Children is hiring a Skills Trainer to support young people in building independence, confidence, and life skills through hands-on, community-based work.

If you’re passionate about youth development, relationship-based work, and creating pathways to success, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Apply today and work with purpose.

02/18/2026

139 Years. One Mission. Countless Lives Impacted.

As we celebrate 139 years of service, we’re reflecting on who we are, what we do today, and where we’re headed next.

In this special anniversary series, our President & CEO shares what makes the San Diego Center for Children a trusted leader in children’s behavioral health and how we continue to grow to meet the needs of our community.

🎥 Part 1

On Presidents’ Day, we reflect on the values of leadership, service, and responsibility. Together, we can help shape a s...
02/16/2026

On Presidents’ Day, we reflect on the values of leadership, service, and responsibility. Together, we can help shape a stronger future for children, families, and our communities.

Our Independent Living Skills (ILS) program helps teens gain the skills they need to live independently, from cooking an...
02/13/2026

Our Independent Living Skills (ILS) program helps teens gain the skills they need to live independently, from cooking and budgeting to everyday problem-solving. Today, they celebrated Valentine’s Day with a Sweet Shop, sharing treats and spreading a little extra cheer! 🍫💌

We’re so proud of all the ways our students practice independence and confidence through fun, hands-on experiences.

Do you know Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark?She was a pioneering psychologist whose research helped change the course of history ...
02/12/2026

Do you know Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark?

She was a pioneering psychologist whose research helped change the course of history and deepen our understanding of how racism impacts children. Her work affirmed that children deserve environments where they feel valued, supported, and safe to grow.

By continuing to center equity and compassion in mental health care, hope grows here for future generations.

👉 Learn how we support children’s mental and emotional well-being by visiting our website at centerforchildren.org.

Join the San Diego Center for Children as an Intensive Care Coordinator, where you’ll support youth with complex mental ...
02/11/2026

Join the San Diego Center for Children as an Intensive Care Coordinator, where you’ll support youth with complex mental health needs through community-based, wraparound services.

If you’re passionate about serving high-risk youth, value collaboration, and want to grow as a clinician while making a real difference, we’d love to meet you.

👉 Apply today and work with purpose.

We’re grateful to recognize Columbia Bank as a Silver Sponsor of Party With a Purpose. Their support helps power an even...
02/09/2026

We’re grateful to recognize Columbia Bank as a Silver Sponsor of Party With a Purpose. Their support helps power an evening that brings our community together while directly supporting the children and families served by the San Diego Center for Children.

Partners like Columbia Bank play an important role in creating opportunities for healing, hope, and brighter futures. Thank you for standing with us and investing in meaningful community impact. 💙

Interested in supporting this important work? Sponsorship opportunities are still available and offer a meaningful way to make a difference while connecting with our community.

🎶 Tickets are ON SALE!Party With A Purpose is bringing the ultimate 80’s throwback night to the Belly Up Tavern on April...
02/06/2026

🎶 Tickets are ON SALE!

Party With A Purpose is bringing the ultimate 80’s throwback night to the Belly Up Tavern on April 30 live music, neon vibes, and a mission that matters.

Every ticket supports mental health care and education for children and families in our community.

✨ Grab your tickets now: centerforchildren.org/party

🕶️ Dust off the leg warmers, we’ll see you there.

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when San Diego Center for Children posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

Our Story

Founded in 1887, the San Diego Center for Children is the oldest children's 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the region accredited by The Joint Commission for its excellence in quality of care. The Center provides evidence-based therapeutic, educational, foster care and transition services to children and families struggling with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Today, with 8 program sites and community-based services within hundreds of homes and schools across San Diego County, the Center empowers over 1,000 people every day.

For more information about our program services and events, please visit www.centerforchildren.org.