Mental Health Treatment in Santa Clarita, CA
Santa Clarita is one of the safest, most family-oriented cities in Los Angeles County—but safety from crime doesn’t mean safety from the mental health challenges that affect every community. Beneath the well-maintained neighborhoods and top-rated schools, families across the Santa Clarita Valley are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and the quiet pressure of maintaining a life that looks effortless from the outside.
At Friendly Recovery, we provide evidence-based outpatient mental health treatment for Santa Clarita residents through flexible telehealth programs that eliminate the need to commute into central LA or Orange County. Our Joint Commission-accredited programs offer PHP, IOP, and outpatient care designed around the schedules of working professionals, commuting parents, and families juggling the demands of suburban life.
Why Santa Clarita Valley Residents Need Accessible Mental Health Care
Santa Clarita consistently ranks among the safest cities in California, with high homeownership rates, strong schools, and a median household income above $120,000. But these statistics can create a misleading impression—that people here don’t struggle. The reality is that mental health challenges don’t respect zip codes, income brackets, or school rankings.
The Pressure Behind the Suburban Surface
With over 230,000 residents, Santa Clarita is the third-largest city in LA County. It’s a community where families invest heavily in their children’s futures, where homeowners carry significant mortgage pressure, and where the expectation to “have it together” can make it harder to ask for help. For many SCV residents, admitting to anxiety or depression feels like a failure—especially in a community that prides itself on being a great place to raise a family.
This dynamic is particularly pronounced among parents and professionals who commute to jobs in the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, or downtown Los Angeles. The average Santa Clarita commuter spends over 30 minutes each way in traffic, often on the congested I-5 or SR-14. By the time you factor in work, commuting, children’s activities, and household responsibilities, there’s little time or energy left for self-care—let alone scheduling an in-person therapy appointment.
A Community Marked by Shared Trauma
The Santa Clarita Valley has experienced events that left lasting impacts on the community’s collective mental health. The 2019 Saugus High School shooting, which claimed two young lives and injured three others, sent shockwaves through every neighborhood in the valley. The ripple effects extended far beyond Saugus itself—students at Valencia, Canyon, Hart, and other SCV schools felt the impact, as did parents, teachers, and first responders across the community.
In the years since, the “Saugus Strong” movement has demonstrated the community’s resilience, but professionals who work in the SCV have noted that the compound impact of the shooting, followed closely by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing wildfire seasons, has left many residents with unaddressed trauma, heightened anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. The Hart School District expanded mental health programming on every campus in response, but the need extends well beyond school-age children.
Wildfire Anxiety and Climate-Related Stress
Santa Clarita’s geography places it at the interface between urban development and wildfire-prone brush country. With a hot-summer Mediterranean climate where temperatures routinely exceed 100°F, dry Santa Ana winds, and the memory of past evacuations and nearby fire events, wildfire anxiety is a real and recurring mental health issue for SCV residents. The smoke-filled skies, evacuation alerts, and the constant question of “will this be the year?” create a seasonal pattern of stress that compounds over time.
For residents who have already experienced evacuations, property damage, or the trauma of watching neighbors lose homes, these feelings can develop into full PTSD or chronic anxiety that requires professional treatment.
Youth and Adolescent Mental Health
Santa Clarita is a city built around families—and that means a significant portion of the population is school-age. The pressures facing SCV teens are substantial: academic competition for college admissions, social media comparison, the lingering effects of COVID-era isolation, and for many, the unresolved trauma of growing up in a community touched by school violence.
Local organizations like Be The Difference SCV, the Child and Family Center, and A Light of Hope reflect the community’s awareness that youth mental health is a pressing issue. Parents across Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, and Newhall are increasingly seeking help for teens dealing with anxiety, depression, self-harm, and substance experimentation—but finding the right level of care at the right time can be challenging.
Don’t Wait to Feel Better
This is your time to take action and find the support you deserve. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to start treatment, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Take the first step today.
Mental Health Programs Available to Santa Clarita Residents
The right level of care depends on the severity of your symptoms, your daily responsibilities, and where you are in your recovery journey. Friendly Recovery offers a full continuum of outpatient care—with telehealth options that make comprehensive treatment accessible from anywhere in the SCV.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our Partial Hospitalization Program provides the most intensive level of outpatient care available. PHP is ideal for individuals who need daily structured therapeutic support but don’t require 24-hour supervision. This level of care serves SCV residents stepping down from inpatient treatment, or those experiencing acute symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma that significantly interfere with daily functioning. PHP involves 5–6 days of programming per week, with 5–6 hours of treatment each day, including individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and skill-building. Santa Clarita residents attending PHP in person at our Tustin facility can reach us via the I-5 South to the 5/55 interchange—approximately 60–75 minutes depending on traffic.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program provides structured care with more flexibility than PHP. IOP is well-suited for Santa Clarita residents who need more support than weekly therapy but want to maintain work, commuting schedules, or family responsibilities. The program involves 3–5 sessions per week, approximately 3 hours each. For SCV residents, our evening telehealth IOP sessions are particularly valuable—you can participate from home after work or once the kids are settled, without adding another commute to an already packed schedule.
Outpatient Program (OP)
Our standard Outpatient Program provides ongoing therapeutic support for individuals who have stabilized from more intensive treatment or need maintenance-level care. OP involves 1–3 sessions per week and is available entirely via telehealth for Santa Clarita residents.
Telehealth Mental Health Services
For SCV residents, telehealth isn’t just convenient—it’s a game-changer. Given the geographic distance between Santa Clarita and most specialized mental health providers in central LA or Orange County, telehealth removes the single biggest barrier to consistent treatment: the drive. Our secure video platform delivers the same evidence-based care as in-person treatment. You can participate in individual therapy, group sessions, and psychiatric consultations from your home office, bedroom, or parked car during a lunch break. Evening sessions are available to accommodate commuters and working parents.
Comparing Levels of Care
Program | Weekly Hours | Best For | Telehealth |
PHP | 25–30 hours | Acute symptoms, step-down from inpatient, intensive stabilization | In-person only |
IOP | 9–15 hours | Moderate symptoms, working individuals, transitioning from PHP | Yes |
OP | 1–5 hours | Maintenance care, ongoing support, stable symptoms | Yes |
Conditions We Treat for Santa Clarita Residents
Our clinical team has expertise treating a wide range of mental health conditions, with specialized experience in the challenges most commonly seen in suburban, family-oriented communities like the SCV.
Mood Disorders
- Depression – Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities
- Bipolar Disorder – Episodes of depression alternating with periods of elevated mood
- Persistent Depressive Disorder – Chronic, long-term depression
- Seasonal Affective Disorder – Depression related to seasonal changes
Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Chronic worry about finances, family, health, and the future
- Panic Disorder – Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Fear of judgment in social or professional situations
- Postpartum Anxiety – Anxiety developing after childbirth, common among new parents managing the pressures of suburban family life
Trauma-Related Disorders
Santa Clarita’s experience with community-level traumatic events—combined with individual traumas like accidents, abuse, loss, and first-responder exposure—makes trauma-informed care essential for this community.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Including trauma from community violence, natural disasters, and personal experiences
- Complex PTSD – Trauma from prolonged or repeated experiences
- Occupational PTSD – Common among first responders, healthcare workers, and military veterans
Additional Conditions
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Adult ADHD
- Personality Disorders including Borderline Personality Disorder
- Thought Disorders including Schizophrenia
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Harm
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many individuals manage mental health conditions alongside substance use challenges. Our dual diagnosis program treats both conditions simultaneously through an integrated approach—because lasting recovery requires addressing the whole picture.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Every treatment approach we use is grounded in clinical research. Our clinicians tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs, life circumstances, and goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies and changes negative thought patterns contributing to anxiety, depression, and stress. Particularly effective for the rumination and worry patterns common in high-achieving professionals and parents.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness, teaching distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
Trauma-Informed Care is a specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) builds psychological flexibility—the ability to pursue what matters to you even when difficult thoughts and emotions are present.
We also offer process group therapy, family therapy, mindfulness and meditation training, holistic approaches, and psychiatric medication management.
Why Santa Clarita Residents Choose Friendly Recovery
- Telehealth built for commuters: SCV residents already spend enough time on the I-5 and SR-14. Our telehealth platform brings PHP-level clinical quality to IOP and outpatient care you can access from home—with evening sessions that work around commute schedules.
- No long waitlists: While the LA County Department of Mental Health’s Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center and other county-operated facilities serve critical roles, wait times can be significant. Most Friendly Recovery clients begin treatment within 24–48 hours of their initial assessment.
- Joint Commission accredited: We maintain the gold standard in healthcare quality, ensuring clinical excellence across every program.
- Privacy in a close-knit community: In a community where everyone knows each other through schools, sports, and neighborhood events, privacy matters. Our telehealth programs let you access care without running into neighbors in a waiting room.
- Full continuum of care: Step up or down between PHP, IOP, and outpatient care as your needs evolve—all with the same treatment team who knows your history and goals.
- Family-centered approach: We understand that mental health challenges affect the whole family. Our programs include family therapy components and support for loved ones navigating a family member’s treatment journey.
Serving Santa Clarita Valley Communities
Santa Clarita is made up of distinct neighborhoods and communities, each with its own character. Our telehealth services make comprehensive mental health treatment accessible from every corner of the SCV.
- Valencia – Home to many of SCV’s professionals, the Valencia Town Center area, and College of the Canyons. Residents here often manage high career expectations alongside family responsibilities.
- Saugus – A tight-knit community that has shown remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy. We honor the strength of Saugus families while recognizing that healing is an ongoing process.
- Canyon Country – The largest and most rapidly growing part of Santa Clarita, with a diverse population of young families and working-class residents.
- Newhall – The historic heart of the SCV, with a mix of longtime residents and newcomers navigating economic transitions.
- Stevenson Ranch – An affluent master-planned community where the pressure to maintain appearances can make it difficult to seek help.
- Castaic & Val Verde – More rural communities at the northern edge of LA County, where geographic isolation can compound mental health challenges.
We also serve residents in Agua Dulce, Acton, and other unincorporated areas of the northern SCV through our telehealth programs.
Getting Started with Mental Health Treatment
We know that navigating insurance and admissions can feel overwhelming when you’re already struggling. Our team is here to make the process as simple as possible.
Insurance and Admissions
We accept most major insurance plans, and our admissions team can verify your benefits at no cost and with no obligation.
Insurance We Accept
Friendly Recovery accepts Aetna, Cigna, Health Net, Carelon Behavioral Health, GEHA, and many additional plans. Santa Clarita residents with employer-sponsored insurance through major SCV employers are encouraged to call and verify their specific coverage.
Not sure if your insurance covers treatment? Our admissions team can verify your benefits at no cost and with no obligation.
The Admissions Process
- Free, Confidential Assessment: Call us or complete our online form. Our admissions team will conduct a brief assessment by phone or telehealth—no need to drive anywhere.
- Insurance Verification: We’ll verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before you commit to treatment.
- Treatment Plan Development: Our clinical team recommends the appropriate level of care and builds a personalized treatment plan.
- Begin Treatment: Most clients start within 24–48 hours. Santa Clarita residents using telehealth can often begin the same day.
Mental Health Resources in Santa Clarita, CA
Whether or not you become a Friendly Recovery client, these local resources provide additional support for SCV residents:
Crisis Resources
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 – Free, confidential 24/7 support
- LA County DMH ACCESS Hotline: (800) 854-7771 – 24/7 crisis assessments, referrals, and psychiatric emergency team dispatch
- Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station: 911 or (661) 260-4000
Specialized Support
- Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): (866) 788-7386 – Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1
- Teen Line: (800) 852-8336 (6–9pm PT) or text TEEN to 839863
Santa Clarita Valley-Specific Resources
- Child and Family Center, Santa Clarita – Prevention, intervention, and therapy for children, teens, adults, and families in the SCV. Crisis services available. Phone: (661) 259-9439
- Be The Difference SCV (bethedifferencescv.org) – Comprehensive directory of local mental health resources, support groups, and crisis services
- Santa Clarita Valley Mental Health Center (LA County DMH) – Outpatient mental health services for adults. Phone: (661) 288-4800
- A Light of Hope – Free support groups for youth (14–26) and parents dealing with substance use and self-destructive behaviors. Located at 21176 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita
- Mental Health Hookup – SCV-based nonprofit providing family consultations, low-cost therapy, and case management. Phone: 1-888-544-1516
- NAMI San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valley – Free support groups and education classes. Helpline: (818) 994-6747
- College of the Canyons Student Health & Wellness – Free counseling for currently enrolled students (up to 6 visits per semester)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Treatment in Santa Clarita, CA
-
Can I receive treatment entirely via telehealth from Santa Clarita?
Yes. Our IOP and outpatient programs are fully available via secure telehealth, and many Santa Clarita clients complete their entire course of treatment this way. Given the distance between the SCV and our Tustin facility, telehealth is the most practical option for most residents—and clinical research consistently shows that telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person care for most mental health conditions. Evening sessions are available to accommodate commute schedules.
-
How do I know if I need IOP, PHP, or just regular therapy?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from SCV families. During your free initial assessment, our clinical team evaluates the severity of your symptoms, how they’re affecting your daily functioning, your support system at home, and your personal goals. If you’re finding it hard to get through work, maintain relationships, or manage daily tasks, IOP or PHP may be appropriate. If your symptoms are manageable but you’d benefit from consistent professional support, outpatient therapy is likely the right fit.
-
Is treatment confidential? I’m worried about people in the community finding out.
Absolutely. All treatment at Friendly Recovery is protected by strict confidentiality laws, including HIPAA. We do not share information about your treatment with anyone without your written consent. Telehealth adds an additional layer of privacy—you participate from your own home, without visiting a facility where you might encounter acquaintances. We understand that in a close-knit community like Santa Clarita, discretion matters, and we take that seriously.
-
My teenager is struggling—do you treat adolescents?
Friendly Recovery’s programs are designed for adults (18+). However, we understand that adolescent mental health is a major concern for Santa Clarita families. If your teen needs treatment, we recommend contacting the Child and Family Center at (661) 259-9439, which serves SCV youth up to age 18 with individual, family, and group therapy. We can also help connect you with adolescent-specific providers. For parents and adult family members affected by a teen’s mental health challenges, our programs can provide the support you need to care for yourself while supporting your child.
-
How does wildfire season affect mental health, and can you help with that?
Wildfire anxiety is a legitimate and increasingly common mental health concern for SCV residents. The cycle of dry conditions, Santa Ana winds, evacuation warnings, and smoke-filled skies creates a seasonal pattern of hypervigilance and stress that can develop into chronic anxiety or PTSD—especially for those who’ve experienced previous evacuations or property loss. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches including CBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed care to help clients process wildfire-related trauma, develop coping strategies, and reduce the intensity of anxiety triggers.
-
How far is Friendly Recovery from Santa Clarita?
Our Tustin facility is approximately 60–75 minutes from central Santa Clarita via the I-5 South, depending on traffic. For PHP clients who attend in person, the drive is worthwhile for daily intensive programming. For IOP and outpatient clients, telehealth is typically the better option and is clinically equivalent. Many SCV clients do their IOP via telehealth and only attend in-person sessions when they prefer or their treatment plan calls for it.
-
Will treatment interfere with my work schedule or commute?
We designed our programs specifically to accommodate working professionals. Our evening telehealth IOP sessions allow you to participate after the workday and commute are done. Standard outpatient appointments can be scheduled around your availability. For PHP, which requires daytime attendance, we work with your schedule and can coordinate with employers if needed. Many SCV commuters find that telehealth actually saves time compared to adding another appointment to a packed day.
-
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major commercial insurance plans including Aetna, Cigna, Health Net, Carelon Behavioral Health, GEHA, and many others. Our admissions team can verify your specific coverage in minutes at no cost or obligation. Call us or use our online insurance verification form.
-
How quickly can I start treatment?
Most clients begin within 24–48 hours of completing their assessment and insurance verification. For Santa Clarita residents using telehealth, it’s possible to start the same day. We understand that when you’ve made the decision to seek help, momentum matters.
Start Your Mental Health Journey from Santa Clarita
You don’t have to wait until things get worse. You don’t have to drive an hour. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety that won’t quiet down, depression that’s making it hard to show up for your family, trauma you’ve never fully processed, or something you haven’t been able to name—our team is here to help.
Ready to Take Back Control?
Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
