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Your Trusted Partner for Mental Health & Housing Solutions
Founded over five decades ago, our organization has been at the forefront of providing mental health counseling and housing assistance to underserved populations. We pioneered the nation's first Safe Parking Program, which has become a model for communities nationwide, and operate the leading rapid rehousing initiative for veterans in Santa Barbara County. Our team of 30+ volunteer counselors and 20 staff members deliver trauma-informed, culturally sensitive services through four core programs: Counseling Center, Safe Parking, Veterans Program, and Life Skills Parenting Education.With over $4 million in direct financial assistance provided to date, we combine clinical expertise with community advocacy to address homelessness, mental health, and systemic inequities. Our person-centered approach ensures services are tailored to individual needs while maintaining strict compliance with ethical standards and professional certifications.
Services
Mental Health Counseling
Safe Parking Program
Veterans Housing Support
Life Skills Education
Case Management
Parenting Classes
Anger Management Group
Anxiety Skills Group
Housing Assistance
Telehealth Therapy
Highlights and features
- We pioneered the nation's first Safe Parking Program for vehicular homeless populations
- Our SSVF program has housed nearly 1,000 veterans since 2013
- Offering the area's lowest sliding-scale counseling fees for 50+ years
- We provide $1.6 million annual direct financial assistance to clients
- Our trauma-informed services combine clinical expertise with policy advocacy
Services
Mental Health Counseling
Our Counseling Center offers confidential therapy with 30+ volunteer masters and doctoral-level counselors. Services include individual, couples, family, and group sessions addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. We maintain the area's lowest sliding-scale fees, with many clients paying less than $15 per session. Our traineeship program ensures continued clinical excellence while maintaining accessibility for low-income clients.
Safe Parking Program
This pioneering program provides safe overnight parking spaces and rapid rehousing services for individuals living in vehicles. With 200 spaces across 31 lots countywide, we offer case management, job tutoring, and food assistance. Our model has been replicated nationally, and we provide program manuals and training to communities seeking similar solutions for vehicular homelessness.
Veterans Program
Our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program helps homeless veterans and their families achieve housing stability. Services include short-term financial assistance, housing counseling, and VA benefit navigation. Since 2013, we've assisted nearly 1,000 veterans through this federally-funded initiative, operating from a housing-first model that prioritizes immediate shelter and long-term stability.
Life Skills Education
This program offers psychoeducational classes in English and Spanish, focusing on parenting skills, anger management, and anxiety reduction. Partnering with local agencies, we provide free courses to vulnerable populations including at-risk youth and low-income families. Our 12-week structured groups meet via Zoom and in-person, offering completion certificates for court-mandated requirements.
Case Management
Comprehensive case management connects clients to housing, employment, and government benefits. Our team provides personalized support through housing applications, financial assistance programs, and community resource navigation. Services include grant writing for medical expenses, resume preparation, and coordination with partner agencies to ensure holistic client support.
People
Kristine Schwarz
Executive Director
Seasoned psychotherapist and nonprofit leader with 13 years in entertainment industry development. Holds MA from Antioch University and maintains private practice. Former faculty member and clinical director at Antioch's Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Program.
Cassie Roach
Safe Parking Program Director
Social worker with 5+ years managing homeless services. UC Santa Barbara graduate with MSW from Cal State LA. Volunteer with Doctors Without Walls and expert in street medicine. Completed masters degree in 2024 with urban generalist emphasis.
Victor Virgen
Veteran Services Director
Marine Corps veteran with 8 years active duty service in Iraq. Bachelors in Psychology from CSU Channel Islands. Former North County Case Manager for SSVF program. Board member of Santa Barbara County Veterans Collaborative.
Kailee Lencioni
Clinic Intake Coordinator
Certified Sexual Assault Counselor with STESA. Experienced in trauma-informed care and neurodivergent support. Former UC Santa Barbara staff member and PeerBuddies volunteer. Pursuing career as Marriage and Family Therapist.
Joel Goforth
Homeless Services Director
20-year nonprofit veteran with masters in psychology from Antioch University. Former Housing Programs Director at PATH Santa Barbara. Local Dive Master and active community member with expertise in behavioral health and housing solutions.
Questions
How do I access mental health counseling services?
Contact our intake coordinator at (805) 963-7777 x206 to schedule an appointment. Sessions available in-person or via telehealth with sliding-scale fees based on income.
What housing assistance programs are available?
We offer Safe Parking overnight spaces, rapid rehousing for veterans, and financial assistance for rent deposits. Contact our housing navigators at (805) 963-7777 for eligibility assessment.
Do you offer services for veterans specifically?
Yes, our SSVF program provides housing support, case management, and VA benefit assistance for veterans and their families across Santa Barbara County.
Are there free educational programs available?
Our Life Skills Parenting Program offers free anger management, anxiety skills, and parenting classes in English and Spanish through community partnerships and virtual platforms.
How can I support your organization?
Support options include donations, volunteering as a counselor, or participating in our internship program. Visit our website for donation portals and volunteer application forms.
What disaster relief services do you provide?
We offer emergency mental health counseling, temporary housing assistance, and financial aid for disaster victims through specialized grant programs and community partnerships.
