What is your service area?
Beginning in 2023, JFCS expanded our service area to include south and east Orange County. Today, we serve clients from Long Beach to Lake Forest and from Downey to Dana Point. Headquartered in Long Beach, we opened a new office in Santa Ana and a donation center near Costa Mesa in early 2024. Programs for Orange County residents will be expanded as additional Orange County funding becomes available.
Do you have to be Jewish to utilize JFCS services?
Not at all. JFCS is available to everyone regardless of religion, race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Does JFCS provide counseling services for couples or families?
Yes, in English and Spanish. JFCS works with adults, couples and families one-on-one and in group settings to strengthen relationships and communication, cope with grief, trauma, loss and depression, manage anger and stress, and address any range of emotional issues.
Can I see a psychologist or psychiatrist at JFCS?
No. JFCS clinicians are either licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, or they are graduate and post-graduate trainees and associates. All graduate or post-graduate clinicians are supervised by a licensed social worker or a licensed marriage and family therapist. However, we can also provide referrals to psychologists and psychiatrists in the Long Beach area.
Does JFCS provide services for children and teens?
Yes. JFCS provides a range of individual and group counseling for children and teens struggling with family, school, friends, learning disabilities, and emotional issues. These include art and play therapy, school groups for at-risk children, and onsite counseling at schools.
What services does JFCS provide for older adults?
Our Social Work Department assists community members and older adults with information and referral services along with rent, utility or food assistance. JFCS also offers low-cost counseling, support groups, and provides monthly “friendly calls” to seniors who cannot leave their homes due to health issues. We provide home chores and errand assistance for Holocaust survivors and will be expanding to other older adults sometime in mid-2025.
What services can Orange County residents receive?
Currently we provide counseling services by Zoom, assistance and support groups for domestic violence survivors, housing and utility assistance for seniors, and educational scholarships. In late 2025, we will begin providing in-person counseling and also home chore and errand assistance for seniors.
Do you provide assistance with housing, food or utility bills?
Yes, but we focus on seniors, single parents with live-at-home children, and certain refugees.
What does counseling cost?
Our counseling service fees are based on a sliding scale determined by your monthly household income and your household size.
When can I apply for a potential educational scholarship?
If you are a current client, volunteer, staff member or a child or grandchild of a current client, volunteer or staff member, then you may be eligible. Note that Board members or their family members are not eligible. Applications are usually available on our website in early spring with applications due in May.
Do you accept insurance for counseling?
We are sometimes able to work with clients who have Medi-Cal through MHN Health Net.
I have never been to JFCS, but I would like to make an appointment. What should I do?
Please call us at (562) 427-7916 and we will arrange for an intake with one of our intake specialists. Once this intake is complete, a clinician will contact you to set up your first appointment.
How soon after I call for assistance will I get a call back?
Generally, within 1-3 business days. We do not provide emergency clinical services or emergency mental health services.
Does JFCS provide in-home caregivers?
We provide referrals to licensed agencies for in-home caregivers. Note that we will begin providing this service for older adults in mid-2025.
Does JFCS offer group therapy?
We offer both therapy and support groups. Check the website or contact us at (562) 427-7916 to inquire if you are interested in a particular group.
Do you offer court-approved domestic violence training?
Not currently.
Does JFCS offer Parenting Classes?
Not currently. However, referrals can be given by calling our front office.
Does JFCS offer Anger Management Classes?
Not currently. However, referrals can be given by calling our front office.
Does JFCS provide emergency services?
JFCS does not offer emergency services. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. For a mental health emergency and immediate support, call 988. If you need other resources, please call 211.
Does JFCS provide shelter/housing?
JFCS does not offer shelter/housing. If you or someone you know is unhoused, please contact the Long Beach Multi Service Center at. An in-person visit can be made at their location. It is advised to be there by 7am.
Long Beach Multi-Service Center
1301 W. 12th Street
Long Beach, California 90813
Phone: (562) 570-4500