Western Youth Services   

In 1972, a group of caring parents, teachers and police officers came together in Fullerton to create what now is known as Western Youth Services. They believed that local youth struggling with behavioral or emotional issues deserved more compassion, additional access to treatment and a greater number of resources devoted just to them.

From these humble beginnings, Western Youth Services has grown into one of Orange County's leading providers of children's and youth mental health services. As the needs of the community have evolved, so too has the organization—expanding beyond its original mission to provide a comprehensive continuum of care that supports children, adolescents, young adults, and their families through every stage of their mental health journey.

Today, Western Youth Services serves thousands of children, youth, and families each year through outpatient clinics, school-based mental health programs, community partnerships, prevention and early intervention services, care coordination, and specialized treatment programs. By bringing services directly into schools and neighborhoods, the organization helps reduce barriers to care and ensures that young people receive support where they learn, grow, and thrive.

Recognizing that mental health challenges often extend beyond childhood, Western Youth Services has also expanded its reach to better support adolescents and young adults as they navigate critical life transitions. Through innovative programs that foster resilience, emotional wellness, life skills, and healthy relationships, the organization empowers young people to build confidence, overcome adversity, and create pathways toward long-term success.

For more than five decades, Western Youth Services has remained committed to shaping brighter futures for Orange County's youth. By partnering with families, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, the agency continues to advance access to high-quality, compassionate mental health care—helping children and young adults not only overcome challenges but also discover their strengths, realize their potential, and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.