California Family Institute

The mission is simple, but definitely not easy:

1. Bridge the gap for those who cannot access mental and relational health services in Orange County and beyond.
2. Develop the mental health leaders of the future to ensure that disparities in access shrink exponentially.

California Family Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides low-cost counseling services for the community, and research and training for mental health professionals. Ten years ago, Dr. Chris Hoff, Executive Director, recognized the disturbing state of mental health in our community: a large disparity in access to mental health services, an epidemic of loneliness, an opioid crisis, rising numbers of deaths of despair, and skyrocketing depression rates in the youth. He realized that the solution would require two important steps:

1) build a clinic whose mission is to expand mental and relational health access in Orange County and beyond, and
2) invest in the future by training effective practitioners with a heart for service in the community.

In 2023, California Family Institute (CFI) marked a year of significant impact and transformation within our community, reinforcing our commitment to making mental health services accessible and affordable to all. Through our dedicated efforts, we provided vital mental health support to a diverse group of clients, including 230 individuals, 41 couples, and 17 families, totaling 288 unique cases. This achievement represents not just numbers, but real lives touched, relationships strengthened, and families supported during times of need.

Each of these engagements is a testament to our mission to bridge the gap in mental and relational health services. For individuals, our services have been a beacon of hope, offering support through depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Couples have found a safe space to navigate conflicts, improve communication, and foster stronger bonds, while families have received the tools to heal and grow together, facing life’s challenges with renewed resilience and understanding.

The impact of our work extends beyond the immediate benefits to our clients. By providing affordable, accessible mental health support, we contribute to a healthier, more vibrant community. The positive changes in our clients' lives ripple outwards, improving well-being at work, in schools, and throughout the community. Moreover, by offering a sliding scale for our services, we ensure that no one is denied access to help because of financial barriers, embodying our belief that mental health care is a right, not a privilege.

Our success in 2023 is a clear indication of the pressing need for mental health services in our community and the effectiveness of our approach. However, the journey does not end here. The demand for mental health support continues to grow, and with it, our resolve to meet this demand head-on. As we reflect on the impact of our work this past year, we are also looking forward to expanding our reach, enhancing our services, and continuing to break down barriers to access.

Through the support of our donors, partners, and the community, we are poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come. Our work in 2023 has laid a strong foundation for growth and underscored the critical importance of our mission. Together, we can continue to change lives, strengthen families, and build a community where mental health support is available to everyone in need.

In Orange County and surrounding communities, mental health has become a growing concern, exacerbated by a glaring disparity in access to necessary services. Currently, nearly half of the individuals seeking mental health services in our area are unable to receive the help they desperately need. The barriers to accessing these essential services are too significant for many, leaving them to face their struggles alone. This gap in service provision not only undermines the well-being of individuals and families but also poses a long-term detrimental impact on community health and resilience.

California Family Institute (CFI) has identified a critical need to address this gap urgently. Established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, CFI has been at the forefront of efforts to make mental health services more accessible and affordable. Recognizing the devastating effects of untreated mental health issues, including an epidemic of loneliness, increasing deaths of despair, and surging depression rates among the youth, CFI's mission is two-fold: to bridge the current gap in mental and relational health services in Orange County and beyond, and to cultivate the next generation of mental health leaders committed to reducing disparities in access.

Our approach is rooted in the understanding that financial barriers should not prevent anyone from receiving the support they need. CFI offers an income-based sliding scale for services, with session costs ranging from $0 to $90, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of mental health support. This model not only facilitates immediate access to care but also fosters a community where mental well-being is prioritized and accessible to all.

However, to continue our mission and expand our impact, CFI requires support. The demand for mental health services far exceeds our current capacity, highlighting the urgent need for additional resources to serve more individuals and families. Investment in CFI is not just an investment in a single organization but a commitment to transforming the mental health landscape of our community for generations to come.

As we look to the future, our goals are clear: to eliminate the barriers to mental health services and ensure that no one is left to face their mental health challenges alone. To achieve this, we need to bolster our ability to provide low-cost counseling, enhance our training programs for mental health professionals, and extend our reach to underserved populations. With the support of partners, donors, and the community, we can make this vision a reality, creating a healthier, more resilient Orange County and beyond.

Orange County, CA and Beyond.