Our mission is to provide mental health services to children, adolescents,
and their families regardless of their ability to pay;
train the next generation of mental health professionals;
and use research to inform clinical practice and public policy.
WHO WE SERVE
We provide care to children, youth, young adults, and their families from around the Bay Area.
While most of our clients live in the East Bay, we are able to see people in their communities, whether at our Oakland clinic offices, in their homes, schools, and other locations.
Who we serve reflects the diversity of our communities but we center our work on what each individual and family needs.
OUR SERVICES
Meeting you where you are
TRAINING + EDUCATION
Our trainings are grounded in real-world experience and decades of service to children, youth, and families with mental health needs.
We offer interactive, community-based trainings for providers, caregivers, and systems partners—led by clinicians and individuals with lived experience who bring both expertise and heart to every session.
INTERNSHIPS
We’re committed to preparing the next generation of community mental health providers through our robust training and internship opportunities. Our APA-accredited Doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology and 9-month MSW Internship offer hands-on experience in trauma-informed care, community-based practice, and culturally responsive clinical work with children, youth, and families.
YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM
The Youth Advocate Program (YAP) is a three-year professional development fellowship for young adults with lived experience in Alameda County’s foster care or juvenile justice systems. Fellows use their expertise to drive systems change—advocating for youth in care, informing policy, training providers, and ensuring that services reflect the voices and needs of those they serve.
PEER TRAINING
Peer Support Specialists bring vital lived experience to the behavioral health field. WestCoast’s 80-hour Medi-Cal certification program prepares individuals to use their lived experience to support others in recovery, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and state-required competencies to become Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists.
OUR VALUES
YOUTH AND FAMILIES FIRST
We honor and respect that healing is defined by those we serve. We are guided by amplifying their voice and choice in every decision and action made within our organization.
CONNECTION
We believe in the power of relationships to nurture resilience, growth and healing.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING
AND GROWTH
We strive to create a space that fosters growth and innovation. Through diverse perspectives, curiosity and reflection we are always learning more from each other.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
The barriers youth and families face in accessing equitable public services are the result of intentional structural oppression. We are committed to breaking those barriers and building just and equitable systems for all.