About
Mission
Through a holistic approach to emotional well-being, Wellnest offers hope, healing and opportunity to the children, young adults, families, and communities we serve. Our commitment remains steadfast as we enter our second century of service.
Vision
That everyone has access to the support services needed to achieve the emotional well-being critical to reaching their full potential.
Excellence & Integrity
We uphold a well-established standard of excellence and accountability by using best practices and continuous quality improvement. Our staff acts with personal and professional integrity to ensure every child, young adult, family and community member is provided the highest level of care available.
Empowerment & Respect
Integrated & Accessible
Family-Focused Approach
Life-Long Wellness
Productive Partnerships
Organization Overview
Founded in 1924, Wellnest has been a leader in children’s mental health and family wellness for more than 100 years. The organization has pioneered innovative programs including early intervention services for children ages 0–5, intensive mental health services for at-risk children and families, skills-based behavioral health programs for transition-age youth (16–25), and integrated care models that embed mental health professionals within primary care and community settings.
Recognized as a Trauma-Informed Learning Community by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Wellnest delivers trauma-informed care across every aspect of its services, including its walk-in Access & Wellness Center, where children, youth, adults, and families can receive immediate support.
At the heart of Wellnest’s work is its Socially Integrated Service Model, which provides holistic, culturally responsive care for children and youth from birth through age 25, while supporting the entire family. The model combines evidence-based clinical treatment, positive youth development, supportive housing for transition-age youth, family strengthening services, and community partnerships to address the lasting effects of trauma and build resilience. By collaborating closely with families, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, Wellnest creates the stable, supportive environments children need to thrive.
Our family-driven approach is informed by more than a century of experience, participation in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), and the latest research on brain development, resilience, and protective factors. We strive to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by actively engaging families in designing services that reflect their strengths, cultures, and goals.
Wellnest also serves as a premier training site for graduate social work students from leading Southern California universities, helping prepare the next generation of culturally competent mental health professionals.
Our Name Change
Formerly known as Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic (LACGC), Wellnest reflects the evolution of our organization and the communities we serve. Over more than 100 years, our services have expanded beyond children’s mental health to provide integrated emotional health and wellness services for children, youth, adults, and families.
As part of our strategic planning process, we recognized the need for a name that better represents our holistic approach, expanded reach, and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our communities. Today, Wellnest embodies our mission to foster healing, resilience, and whole-person wellness for every individual and family we serve.
Our Community
Services are community-based, family-focused, and culturally sensitive. Clinicians and professionals partner with families and caregivers, using a strength-based approach to treatment, to address children’s and youth’s mental health issues and achieve positive outcomes. This approach is designed to support existing family strengths and empower parents and caregivers to replicate this strength in other areas of family interaction.
This data demonstrates our community’s need for Wellnest’s specialized services provided to children, youth, and their families.
Service Highlights
Children and families engaged with the Family Resource Center, i.e., food, clothing, workshops, etc.
Total number of completed appointments with children, youth, young adults and their family members or guardians
Unduplicated number of children, youth, adults, and family members benefiting from clinical services
Number of services provided in Day Treatment Intensive
Community Partnerships
Wellnest engages in a variety of community collaborations in order to meet the needs of children and their families.
To best meet the mental health needs of children and their families, Wellnest partners with the following organizations:
- California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies
- California Department of Rehabilitation
- Department of Public Health
- First 5 LA
- Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
- Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services
- Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
- Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
- Los Angeles Unified School District – Non-public school contractor and other service projects
- The Association of Community Human Services Agencies
Further, to actively promote the training of mental health professionals, Wellnest engages in training partnerships with the University of California, Los Angeles; University of Southern California; Cal State University Dominguez Hills; Azusa Pacific University; Cambridge University and Columbia University.
