Evidence-Based Mental Health Care and Training for Youth, 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, Teen Center, and First Gen 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
The Center for Youth Mental Health offers clinical supervision to LMFTs, LCSWs, and Doctoral candidates seeking licensure in California. Our doctoral-level clinical supervisors are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based clinical supervision and training that will help new clinicians build a core set of skills and tools.
Meet Our Founders
With experience in youth mental health, our therapists provide evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Lori Butterworth, PsyD, MEd, MA
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Supervisor
Support Mental Health. Support the Future.
Your donation helps provide low-cost treatment, parents programs,
scholarships, and traning opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TAG Research Program?
TAG is a project-based Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) program designed to raise the voices of teens and ignite their advocacy in discovering youth mental health solutions.
Who can participate?
For the 2024 – 2025 school year, participants must be high school students who live in San Luis Obispo or Santa Cruz counties.
Can I get community service hours?
It is anticipated that participation in TAG will earn between 10-15 community service hours.
Upon the successful completion of TAG, students will be given a certificate of completion from Center of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH).
You are solely responsible for following your school’s procedures in having those hours approved and accepted by your school or instructor.
How long is the program and what is the time commitment?
Students will need to commit to meeting for 1.5 hours a week, for eight weeks, starting January 2025 through April 2025.
Is the program free?
Yes, this program is completely free.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, feel free to encourage friends to apply. We would welcome their participation!
What technology is needed?
TAG activities may be conducted virtually or in person. Participants will need to have access to a phone or computer that will allow them to attend virtual meetings, if needed, and communicate with their peers via text or email.