Evidence-Based Mental Health Care for Children, Teens, Young Adults, and Families
To expand access to quality, evidence-based youth mental health care as quickly as possible.
We’re Glad You’re Here
Whether you’re a parent or caregiver looking for support for your child, a clinician seeking training or supervision in evidence-based youth mental health care, or a teen looking for support or ways to support your friends, we’re glad you’re here. Take a look around and learn about The Treatment Center, Parent Center, and Teen Center. We currently provide in-person care for youth and their families in Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, with plans to create Centers throughout California. If you’re out of the area, contact us about virtual support options. You’re not alone.
Treatment Center
CYMH specializes in evidence-based youth mental health care. We currently offer in-person treatment to youth in San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco counties, with plans to expand to other communities very soon. We also offer virtual treatment if it’s more accessible for you and your family.
Parent Center
Caring for a child or teen struggling with their mental health is a terrifying and isolating experience. Finding treatment is frustrating, waitlists are long, and accessing treatment that addresses your child’s condition can feel impossible.
At the Parent Center, you can find training and resources to help you support your child before, during, and after treatment. You can talk with a youth mental health expert in monthly Parent Drop-In Sessions, attend in-person or virtual support groups, and build listening and support skills by attending a Parenting Workshop.
Teen Center
The CYMH Teen Advisory Board is a group of youth experts – the real experts when it comes to youth mental health. As a Teen Advisory Board member, you can share your perspective and make recommendations to the Center’s Board of Directors about how to address the youth mental health crisis. You can work with other high school students to create peer-to-peer surveys and share the perspectives of thousands of teens. The Teen Advisory Board is a great way to actively engage in promoting mental health and providing support to your friends and classmates.
Training Center
CYMH provides clinical supervision and training for master’s-level clinicians and doctoral candidates working toward licensure in California. Our doctoral-level supervisors help emerging clinicians develop strong skills in evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, parent-based interventions, and other approaches supported by research. Through supervision, case consultation, and hands-on clinical experience, trainees learn how to assess needs, develop effective treatment plans, apply evidence-based strategies, and adapt care for each child, teen, and family. We also offer specialized training in exposure and response prevention for licensed clinicians seeking to deepen their expertise in treating OCD.
Meet Our Founders
CYMH’s mission, values, and philosophy reflect the vision of its founders, who worked tirelessly to build an organization dedicated to expanding timely access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health care for youth and families.
Lori Butterworth, PsyD, MEd
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Co-Founder
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Complete our appointment request form or contact one of our Treatment Centers. A member of our team will talk with you about the support you are looking for, answer your questions, and help determine the best next step for your child or family.
How much does treatment cost?
Fees and payment options vary depending on the clinician service, and location. Lower-cost care may be available through supervised trainees or associates. Contact us to discuss current fees, superbill reimbursement, Medi-Cal (Santa Cruz County), and reduced-fee options.
What ages do you work with?
We provide services for children, teens, young adults, and their families. The ages served may vary depending on the clinician, program, and type of treatment needed. Contact us, and we will help connect you with the most appropriate provider or resource.
What are common youth mental health challenges?
Children and teens may experience anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, trauma, school avoidance, emotional outbursts, social difficulties, sleep problems, or changes in mood and behavior. While occasional struggles are a normal part of growing up, additional support may be helpful when symptoms begin interfering with school, friendships, family life, or daily activities.
What is evidence-based therapy?
Evidence-based therapies are treatments that have been carefully studied and shown to be effective. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, our clinicians select strategies supported by research and adapt them to the needs, strengths, culture, and goals of each child, teen, and family.
Do parents participate?
Parents and caregivers are often an important part of treatment, particularly when working with children and teens. Depending on your child’s age and needs, parents may participate in sessions, receive coaching, or learn strategies to support progress at home. We balance family involvement with the young person’s need for privacy and independence.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. We offer online therapy throughout California when telehealth is clinically appropriate. In-person appointments are currently available through our San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz County Treatment Centers, with additional locations in development.
What training opportunities are available?
CYMH provides clinical supervision and training for master’s-level trainees, associates, doctoral candidates, and other clinicians seeking experience in evidence-based youth mental health care. Training may include assessment, case consultation, treatment planning, CBT, ERP, parent-based interventions, and other approaches supported by research. Advanced ERP training is also available for licensed clinicians who want to strengthen their skills in treating OCD.
How Can We Help?
If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, please complete this form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also call our SLO Center at (805) 996-0535 or our Santa Cruz Center at (831) 222-0052.
Support Mental Health. Support the Future.
Your donation helps provide low-cost treatment, parents programs,
scholarships, and traning opportunities.
