Business Details
32 Years
experience
Free Long-Term Therapy for Foster Youth & Alumni
A Home Within is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, long-term psychotherapy to current and former foster youth. Founded in 1994 by Dr. Toni Heineman, we have grown into a network of over 650 volunteer therapists across 30 chapters in 25 states. Our mission centers on creating transformative mental health care through lasting therapeutic relationships, operating independently of government grants or insurance contracts. We prioritize client autonomy by allowing therapy duration to be determined by the client-therapist relationship rather than administrative constraints.Our model has demonstrated measurable improvements in clients' relationships, mental health, and community integration over two decades of research partnerships. We also offer continuing education programs and clinical consultation groups to support our volunteer network while expanding access to culturally affirming care through initiatives like Building Practice in Community.
Services
Free Therapy
Clinical Training
Volunteer Programs
Client Referral
Consultation Groups
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer open-ended therapy with no time limits or funding constraints
- Our network includes 650+ trauma-informed clinicians across 25 states
- We provide free continuing education focused on foster care trauma
- Our model prioritizes client-therapist relationship over administrative requirements
- We've delivered 30,000+ hours of free therapy annually since 1994
Associations and certifications
- ASWB
- APA
- NBCC
What people say
Life-changing experience
No deadline for healing
Weekly therapy support
Trauma-informed specialists
Professional development resources
Services
Free Psychotherapy
We provide open-ended, individual psychotherapy free of charge to current and former foster youth. Clients choose their therapist and continue treatment for as long as needed without age or time restrictions. Our volunteer clinicians donate one hour weekly of trauma-informed care in private practice settings through virtual or in-person sessions.
Clinical Training
Our continuing education programs offer trauma-responsive training for mental health professionals working with foster care populations. These accredited courses cover topics like trauma-bonding interventions, caregiver engagement strategies, and culturally affirming care practices. Participants gain access to research-based methodologies and peer consultation networks.
Volunteer Opportunities
We offer multiple volunteer pathways including direct clinical service, consultation group leadership, chapter director positions, and ambassador roles. Volunteers receive professional development resources while contributing to our mission through therapy provision, peer support, and community outreach activities.
People
Reed Connell
Executive Director
With 25 years in foster care policy and mental health, Reed leads strategic initiatives and advocacy efforts. He holds an MSW from UC Berkeley and previously co-founded Social Change Partners, LLC.
Candice Simonds
Chief Program Officer
Candice oversees program development and directs the Building Practice in Community initiative. She maintains a private practice focused on multiethnic cultural identity and holds licenses in California and Ohio.
Dr. Tiffany Loggins
Clinical Advisor
A licensed clinical psychologist at Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Loggins contributes expertise in culturally responsive interventions for trauma recovery. She has published research on eating disorders in Black women and holistic treatment approaches.
Questions
What mental health services do you provide for foster youth?
We offer open-ended individual psychotherapy with volunteer clinicians, focusing on trauma recovery through stable therapeutic relationships without time limits or financial barriers.
How do clients access your therapy services?
Clients complete a referral form, then receive an intake assessment to determine eligibility before being matched with volunteer therapists based on clinical needs and preferences.
What continuing education opportunities exist for therapists?
We provide accredited training programs on trauma-bonding interventions, caregiver engagement, and culturally affirming care through live webinars and consultation groups.
Can associate therapists participate in your volunteer programs?
Pre-licensed therapists can volunteer with supervisor approval after completing 80% of required hours, gaining valuable experience working with foster care populations.
Videos
