Resource Center

Behavioral Health Services

Crisis

Hotlines

County of San Diego

Beneficiary Handbook
Mental Health Plan Beneficiaries (MHP)

Beneficiary Handbook
Drug Meds-Cal Organized Delivery Sysem Beneficiaries (DMC_ODS)

Updates: February 2023
MHP Beneficiaries

Updates: February 2023
DMC_ODS Beneficiaries

Other
TBD

Other
TBD

24/7 Suicide and Crisis Hotline

Call or Text: 988

24/7 Access and Crisis Line
1-888-724-7240

24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255

24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233

24/7 Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-344-6000

24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673

Peer 2 Peer Youth Text – Mon-Fri 2PM-6PM
1-619-377-7111

News, Events, & Information

Elyssa Becerra, AMFT

Elyssa Becerra, AMFT

About Me I am a first-generation Hispanic and Latin-American Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, bringing a culturally attuned and compassionate perspective to my work. My background as a Registered Behavior Technician includes supporting children and adults on...

Managing Stress in a Hectic World: Tips for Busy People

Managing Stress in a Hectic World: Tips for Busy People

In today's fast-paced world, stress can seem unavoidable, especially for those with demanding schedules. However, managing stress effectively is crucial not only for maintaining productivity but also for ensuring overall well-being. Here are some practical tips to...

Understanding Domestic Violence: Breaking the Silence

Understanding Domestic Violence: Breaking the Silence

Domestic violence is a critical issue that affects individuals and families across all demographics, transcending age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. It is a pervasive problem that often goes unreported and unaddressed due to stigma, fear, and...

The Vital Connection Between Mental Health and Work

The Vital Connection Between Mental Health and Work

Mental Health in the Workplace Supporting the mental health of staff is crucial for maintaining a productive, positive, and sustainable work environment. Prioritizing mental health not only helps individuals feel valued but also benefits the organization as a whole by...

Domestic Violence: The Effect on Families and Communities

Domestic Violence: The Effect on Families and Communities

Domestic violence has profound and far-reaching effects on families and communities. Here are some of the key impacts: Effects on Families: Emotional and Psychological Impact: Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)....

The Impact of Social Media on Children & Adolescents

The Impact of Social Media on Children & Adolescents

The impact of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents is a complex and multifaceted issue. Here are some of the key effects, both positive and negative: Positive Impacts Social Connectivity: Social media can help children and adolescents stay...

Suicide Awareness Month: How to Help Someone Who Is Suicidal

Suicide Awareness Month: How to Help Someone Who Is Suicidal

Part 3 in a 3 part series:  Suicide Awareness Month -  Recognizing the Signs, Getting Help, and Saving Lives Juliet Christensen, LMFT September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to confront a difficult but essential topic. Suicide touches many lives—whether through...

Francesca Kohani, AMFT / APCC

Francesca Kohani, AMFT / APCC

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for families, children, teens, and young adults. I believe in the power of compassionate understanding and...

San Diego Gives 2024

San Diego Gives 2024

Welcome!  At Palomar Family Counseling Service, we offer more than counseling. We are a pillar of mental health support for  families and individuals  with accessible, inclusive, and affordable care in multiple locations across North San Diego County. With a...

Suicide Awareness Month: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Suicide Awareness Month: Recognizing the Warning Signs

Part 1 in a 3 part series:  Suicide Awareness Month -  Recognizing the Signs, Getting Help, and Saving Lives Juliet Christensen, LMFT September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to confront a difficult but essential topic. Suicide touches many lives—whether through...

Sachiko Yamauchi Zhang, AMFT

Sachiko Yamauchi Zhang, AMFT

Sometimes, it feels like everything is going wrong. Problems come at us one after another, leaving us barely able to breathe. The worst part? We feel completely alone—no one notices or offers help. Our partners are upset, the kids bring home their own troubles, and...

Early Childhood Therapist & Mental Health Consultant

Early Childhood Therapist & Mental Health Consultant

OUR STORY Palomar Family Counseling Service (PFCS) is one of most recognized and respected providers of mental health services in North San Diego County. Established in 1956, PFCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services that...

Back to School with Teens: Tips for Parents Who Just Want to Survive

Back to School with Teens: Tips for Parents Who Just Want to Survive

Ah, back to school with teenagers. If you’ve ever found yourself staring wistfully at your toddler’s old sippy cup, reminiscing about the days when your biggest challenge was finding a matching pair of shoes, I feel you. As a Marriage and Family Therapist and mom of...

Back to School Survival Tips for Parents: How to Keep Your Sanity Intact

Back to School Survival Tips for Parents: How to Keep Your Sanity Intact

From Juli Christensen, LMFT - PFCS Therapist and mom to 13! It’s that time of year again—school supply lists, first-day outfits, and the sweet sound of silence returning to yourhome after a summer of “I’m bored!” If you’re anything like me, the start of the school...

Andrea Castro, MS, AMFT

Andrea Castro, MS, AMFT

I am a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Health Coach. Also, I work as a facilitator in the Parenting Training program at Elementary schools. I became a health counselor to fulfill my passion for working with children and parents to improve...

Raylyn Mason, LMFT

Raylyn Mason, LMFT

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I feel most accomplished with my work with students of all ages to overcome their social and emotional challenges. I have been the Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) provider for the Valley Center Pauma...

Benoit Vincent, LMFT

Benoit Vincent, LMFT

When an individual, a couple, or family members decide to share their life challenges, relational struggles, and suffering with a therapist, they seek to engage in a relationship to obtain some relief by making new meaning to their life experiences. During these...

PFCS launches a new 3 year strategic plan

PFCS launches a new 3 year strategic plan

We are delighted to share our new three year strategic plan, created with the support of Betsy Uhrman and Kaya Tith of Health management Associates.  The plan features our newly reimagined Vision and Mission, and is based on a comprehensive description and...

PFCS receives grant from the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities

PFCS receives grant from the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities

We are delighted to receive a grant from the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) to support "Elevate" an initiative to provide advanced, evidence based clinical training to therapists and supervisors across all of our youth serving programs.  The grant...

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Four Years of Success!

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Four Years of Success!

When parents are unable to raise their children, it is often grandparents who step in. Grandfamilies thrive when they get the support they need. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is a comprehensive service that fosters healthy grandparents and a strong and stable...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

We live in a rapidly changing world that can be complex to navigate. About half of Americans can remember a time when we were notconstantly connected and it was easier to tune out the noise of the world, while the younger half of the population can’t imagine life...

Gwen Evans, APCC

Gwen Evans, APCC

Gwen Evans, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, is a clinical therapist in Escondido and Fallbrook. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and was also inducted into Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling’s Academic...

Juliet Christensen, LMFT

Juliet Christensen, LMFT

A compassionate and experienced psychotherapist, I have dedicated my career to supporting the growth and development of individuals, families, and couples. With over 15 years of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my work with various issues,...

Therapist Profile: Arturo Morales, MA, AMFT

Therapist Profile: Arturo Morales, MA, AMFT

As a psychotherapist, my greatest reward comes from empowering individuals, couples, and adolescents to navigate life's challenges and build resilience. For over two decades, I've dedicated myself to service, first as a Marine officer, then as an educator, and...

Therapist Profile: Patti Christensen, LCSW

Therapist Profile: Patti Christensen, LCSW

I am a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is a master clinician and supervisor, providing therapy for teens, and adults of all ages for over 25 years. I have worked for Palomar Family Counseling Services for over 17 years. Within a safe, non-judgmental...

The Youth Mental Health Crisis:  10 Ways Parents Can Help

The Youth Mental Health Crisis: 10 Ways Parents Can Help

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the state of youth mental health. With the rise of anxiety, depression, and suicide ideology among teenagers, it's more important than ever for parents to actively support their teen's mental well-being. Here are...

Marriage / Couples Counseling: A Path to Relationship Growth

Marriage / Couples Counseling: A Path to Relationship Growth

Maintaining a healthy and happy relationship takes effort and commitment from both partners. However, sometimes couples may find themselves facing relationship issues that seem insurmountable. In these moments, seeking help from a licensed therapist through couples...

Clinical Work with Latinx Populations: March 27, 2024

Clinical Work with Latinx Populations: March 27, 2024

Join us for the second in a six part series of professional development workshops offered by Palomar Family Counseling Service in 2024 designed  to support and strengthen the mental health of our communities. Workshop Title: Clinical Work with Latinx Populations...

Strategies to Beat the January Blues: Bouncing Back from the Gloomiest Month of the Year

Strategies to Beat the January Blues: Bouncing Back from the Gloomiest Month of the Year

As the holiday season fades away, the arrival of January can often leave us feeling a sense of gloom. The colder weather, shorter daylight hours, returning debts, and the absence of friends and family gatherings can all contribute to the infamous “January blues.” However, navigating this time of year with a focus on mental health is crucial. In this blog, we will discuss strategies to beat the January blues and bounce back with a positive mindset.

Understanding Your Duties: Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training

Understanding Your Duties: Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training

Join us for the first in a six-part series offered to staff and trainers as part of our ongoing commitment to professional development.  Workshop Title: Understanding Your Duties: Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training Presenter:  Child & Family Well-Being...

2023: A Very Successful Year

2023: A Very Successful Year

This year we were honored to receive funding for new initiatives from San Diego Foundation, Dr. Seuss Foundation, The San Diego Women's Foundation, Rest Haven Children's Health Fund,  the County of San Diego and the Fallbrook Regional Health District.  This funding...

New Year’s resolutions: Are they good for your mental health?

New Year’s resolutions: Are they good for your mental health?

As we start a new year, it's common for many of us to reflect on the past year and start thinking about what changes we want to make in the upcoming one. New Year's resolutions have become a popular tradition, with people setting goals and making promises to...

The Holiday Season and Mental Health: You Are Not Alone

The Holiday Season and Mental Health: You Are Not Alone

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many people, it can also be a challenging period filled with grief, loneliness, and despair. The festivities can exacerbate feelings of isolation and highlight the...

The Importance of Self-Care for Mental Health

The Importance of Self-Care for Mental Health

When we prioritize self-care, we are better able to manage stress and other challenges, and we are more resilient in the face of difficult situations. Self-care can also improve our mood, increase our sense of self-worth, and help us feel more connected to ourselves and others.

A Fond Farewell to Jensen Shirley

A Fond Farewell to Jensen Shirley

PFCS staff gathered on November 20 to celebrate the retirement of Jensen Shirley, EdD, APCC.  Jensen began with the agency as a graduate student in 2016. He contributed to mission fulfillment in so many ways, particularly at Surfside Educational Academy in Oceanside. ...

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, but its impact on mental health is a topic of much debate. While social media can connect us to others and provide a sense of community, it can also contribute to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and...

Understanding the link between stress and mental health.

Understanding the link between stress and mental health.

Stress is a natural response to challenging or dangerous situations, but when stress becomes chronic, it can have a significant impact on our mental health. Chronic stress has been linked to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. In this...

Back to School Tips with PFCS Therapist Benoit Vincent

Back to School Tips with PFCS Therapist Benoit Vincent

Back to School Tips for Kids & Parents The new school year means new friends, teachers, clothes, and classrooms. It’s normal for kids (and their parents) to feel anxious about returning to school. Here are some simple ways to ease the transition from vacation-mode...

San Diego Gives:  Early Giving is open!

San Diego Gives: Early Giving is open!

Early giving for San Diego Gives officially opens today and we have an Early Giving match! Thanks to the incredible generosity of one of our donors, your donation of $50 or more will be matched 100%.  This $2500 match is in effect from now until we reach that target....

5 Ways to Cultivate a Positive Mindset and Boost Mental Resilience

5 Ways to Cultivate a Positive Mindset and Boost Mental Resilience

In today's fast-paced and stress-filled world, it's becoming increasingly important to prioritize our mental wellness. Cultivating a positive mindset and developing mental resilience are essential for our overall well-being. Resilience allows us to bounce back from...

Hobbies for Mental Health

Hobbies for Mental Health

In today's fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with responsibilities and deadlines, it's important to take a step back and prioritize our mental health. One effective way to do this is by engaging in hobbies that bring us joy and relaxation. Hobbies...

Mindfulness Exercises: A Great Way to Relax and Refocus

Mindfulness Exercises: A Great Way to Relax and Refocus

Mindfulness exercises are a great way to reduce stress and increase wellbeing. Give these exercises a try and see how they can help you feel calmer and more balanced 1. Breathing Meditation - This is a great exercise for beginners. Find a comfortable place to sit and...

Connecting Matters: A new support group in Fallbrook

Connecting Matters: A new support group in Fallbrook

Connections matter. PFCS will launch a new support group at the Fallrook Regional Health District's Community Wellness Center this spring.  Connecting Matters will run for 3 consecutive Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. May 10, 17, & 24 and is designed for...

PFCS Employee Selected as 2023 Public Health Champion!

PFCS Employee Selected as 2023 Public Health Champion!

Congratulations to PFCS Employee Graciela Moreno on her selection as a recipient of the 2023 Live Well San Diego Annual Public Health Champion award.  Graciela was named as the North Inland Regional recipient. This honor is bestowed on behalf of the Public Health...

Emotionally Focused Therapy with Couples

Emotionally Focused Therapy with Couples

PFCS is hosting a  three hour workshop on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with Couples presented by Jason Linder, PsyD for our staff and trainees as part of our ongoing commitment to professional development. Date: May 11, 2023 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Location:...

Spread Comfort & Joy This Holiday Season

Spread Comfort & Joy This Holiday Season

Spread comfort & joy this holiday season for children, youth, families and adults in need. Our Comfort and Joy campaign coordinates the generosity and caring of people like you with needy individuals served in our mental health programs. For many of our fellow...

The Parent Perspective: A Conversation with Boad Member Don Romo

The Parent Perspective: A Conversation with Boad Member Don Romo

In this episode of the Mental Health Matters podcast, PFCS Board Member Don Romo discusses the system of care for people living with mental illness and his lived experience as a parent.   His insight and perspective enriches our Board of Directors. We are honored that...

Mental Health and Preschool Aged Children

Mental Health and Preschool Aged Children

PFCS Therapist Stephanie Rivera discusses how the mental health of parents can impact young children.  Stephanie also discusses how to address behavioral challenges in preschool aged children and the impact adverse childhood experiences can have on adolescents.

Donate your myWalgreens Cash Rewards to PFCS through 8/31/22

Donate your myWalgreens Cash Rewards to PFCS through 8/31/22

We're participating in the myWalgreens donation program! At Walgreens, you’ll earn unlimited 1% Walgreens Cash rewards when you shop with your myWalgreens membership and you can contribute $1, $5, or more of your Walgreens Cash rewards to local and national charities...

California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recogniton

California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recogniton

We are honored to receive a Certificate of Recogniton from the California Legistalure Assembly and Assemblymember Marie Waldron of the 75th District for our support and contribution to communtiy engagement with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Incredible Parents

Incredible Parents

Parenting programs are a key strategy for the prevention and early treatment of children’s conduct problems.

Youth Mental Health Crisis: The Next Wave of the Pandemic

Youth Mental Health Crisis: The Next Wave of the Pandemic

“We have seen a nearly two-fold increase in depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents. Nearly 20 percent of kids are experiencing depression that’s impairing them, nearly 25 percent of kids are experiencing anxiety that’s impairing them.”

Fallbrook Regional Health District Grant Awards

Fallbrook Regional Health District Grant Awards

We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of the Fallbrook Regional Health District (FRHD) has once again awarded grants for FY 2022/2023 for our Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren programs for residents of the...

988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline to launch in July 2022

988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline to launch in July 2022

988 is not just a new number to call, it is an opportunity to rethink how we approach mental health, substance use disorders, and suicide prevention in our communities. The United States needs a thoughtful and comprehensive response to mental health or substance use...

PFCS selected to participate in the myWalgreens donation program

PFCS selected to participate in the myWalgreens donation program

Donate your myWalgreens cash rewards to Palomar Family Counseling Service through 08/31/22. At Walgreens, you’ll earn unlimited 1% Walgreens Cash rewards when you shop and you can choose how much to donate. It’s that easy. Whether you’d like to contribute $1, $5, or...

Transforming Mental Health with Horses

Transforming Mental Health with Horses

We are excited to launch a new service to treat trauma, grief, sadness, anxiety, loss, relationship issues, addiction and so much more. Turnout, based on the Eagala model, an innovative approach that provides an alternative option for treatment with no need for talk...

An Emerging Youth Mental Health Crisis

An Emerging Youth Mental Health Crisis

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people, with up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the U.S. having a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. The stringent...

Advice To My Younger Self

Advice To My Younger Self

We asked our board and staff this question: What advice would you give your younger self? Here’s what some of us had to say.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

The Prevention & Early Intervention Team along with their Incredible Years® friends celebrate mental health awareness month with strategies to stay mentally healthy. The Incredible Years® model is used as a prevention and early intervention strategy for all...

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a global phenomenon that can happen to anyone regardless of gender, education, profession, nationality, socioeconomic status, culture, age, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. Generally speaking, domestic violence occurs when one partner...

Check Us Out On The Incredible YearsⓇ Blog!

Check Us Out On The Incredible YearsⓇ Blog!

North Coastal Prevention and Early Intervention ProgramVirtual DinoSchool TeachersOur North Coastal Prevention and Early Intervention program created innovative strategies to implement the Incredible YearsⓇ social emotional curriculum during this current health...

Building Resiliency in Times of Crisis

Building Resiliency in Times of Crisis

The Buddha once asked a student: “If a person is struck by an arrow, is it painful? If the person is struck by a second arrow, is it even more painful?” He then explained, “In life, we cannot always control the first arrow. However, the second arrow is our reaction to...