In need of support?

Foundation of Care is designed for individuals who are experiencing mental health challenges and face financial barriers to accessing ongoing therapy, such as limited income, high out‑of‑pocket costs, or gaps in insurance coverage. We currently serve individuals living in the Greater San Diego area, with plans to expand services in the future.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Are seeking support for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or life‑related stressors
• Would benefit from short‑term therapy to help stabilize symptoms and build coping skills
• Are open to working toward longer‑term mental health care when needed
• Have financial limitations that make it difficult to access or sustain therapy through traditional options

Eligibility is determined through a brief intake and financial review process. Foundation of Care does have income‑based eligibility criteria, which help ensure that services are directed to individuals with the greatest financial need. Applications are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis, taking into account income, expenses, insurance status, and other factors that impact access to care.

If the program is not the right fit, our team works to help connect individuals with other community‑based or insurance‑supported resources whenever possible.

Foundation of Care supports access to mental health services through our network of contracted providers. Covered services typically include therapy and/or psychiatric medication management sessions authorized as part of the program.

In some cases, and based on individual circumstances, Foundation of Care may also help offset other treatment‑related out‑of‑pocket costs, such as co‑pays, deductibles, prescriptions, or limited practical supports that directly impact a person’s ability to engage in care. All support is considered thoughtfully and based on available funding.

Applications are submitted online or by phone and reviewed by the Foundation of Care team. The review process focuses on clinical appropriateness, financial barriers, and alignment with the program’s purpose.

Some applicants may be invited to participate in a brief follow‑up conversation to better understand their needs and goals. While our goal is to support as many individuals as possible, Foundation of Care has limited resources and is not able to accept every application.

Participants are approved for a time‑limited course of therapy, typically authorized in 10‑week increments. Many individuals engage in services for approximately 10–20 sessions, though some complete treatment sooner and others may receive additional authorized sessions when clinically appropriate. Progress is reviewed regularly using standardized outcome measures to help guide care decisions and ensure services are effective and purposeful.

Because Foundation of Care is designed to promote long‑term stability, our team also works alongside participants to help them transition to ongoing care when needed. This may include support with linking to a longer‑term provider through insurance benefits, sliding‑scale services, or other community‑based resources. Our aim is not only short‑term symptom relief, but helping participants establish sustainable mental health support beyond their time in the program.

The Foundation of Care process is designed to be supportive, straightforward, and person‑centered. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Initial contact and intake: Individuals start with a brief intake to help us understand their needs, goals, and current challenges. This helps determine whether Foundation of Care is a good fit.
2. Eligibility review and care planning: Our team reviews intake information to ensure the program is an appropriate level of support. When Foundation of Care is not the right fit, we work to help connect individuals with other community or insurance‑based resources.
3. Thoughtful provider matching: If enrolled, participants are matched with a contracted therapist based on clinical needs, availability, and preferences such as language or areas of experience.
4. Engagement in therapy and progress check‑ins: Participants engage in time‑limited therapy focused on their goals. Progress is reviewed periodically to ensure care is effective and meaningful.
5. Planning for what comes next: Because Foundation of Care is designed to support long‑term stability, our team works alongside participants to plan for next steps. This may include support with transitioning to ongoing care through insurance, sliding‑scale providers, or other community resources.

Throughout the process, participants are supported with clear communication, respect, and a focus on building a sustainable path forward.

Foundation of Care partners with a network of licensed mental health clinicians who meet California professional standards. Our contracted providers include Licensed Psychiatrists, Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs).

When a participant enrolls, our team thoughtfully matches them with a provider based on clinical needs, presenting concerns, availability, and participant preferences (such as language, modality, or areas of experience). Our goal is to create a strong therapeutic fit that supports meaningful engagement and progress from the start.

All providers are carefully vetted for clinical quality, cultural responsiveness, and alignment with the Foundation of Care program values.

In many cases, yes! If an applicant already has a therapist they would like to continue working with, the Foundation of Care team can explore whether that provider is able to partner with the program. This includes ensuring the provider meets our clinical standards and program requirements.

If a participant is matched with a provider through Foundation of Care, they may also choose to continue seeing that provider privately after Foundation of Care‑supported sessions conclude, depending on the provider’s availability and fee structure.

If continuing with the same provider, either current or matched, is not feasible, we work with participants to explore referrals, sliding‑scale options, insurance‑based care, or other community resources to support continuity of care and long‑term stability whenever possible.

Once eligibility is confirmed and intake is complete, we work to match participants with a provider as quickly as possible, based on clinical needs, provider availability, and participant preferences (such as language or specialty). Matching timelines may vary, but our team remains in close communication throughout the process.

Foundation of Care is not a substance use treatment program, but we recognize that mental health and substance use concerns often overlap. Our clinicians can provide supportive, trauma‑informed care and help participants explore treatment options. When specialized addiction treatment is needed, we assist with referrals and care coordination to appropriate community providers.

Foundation of Care is designed to expand access to mental health care while promoting long‑term stability. By offering time‑limited therapy, we are able to support more individuals who might otherwise face barriers to care, while focusing on meaningful progress during the time participants are enrolled.

Our approach emphasizes:

• Thoughtful provider matching
• Goal‑oriented, evidence‑informed treatment
• Regular progress review using standardized outcome measures

Equally important, Foundation of Care is not intended to be a short‑term stop without a plan forward. Throughout participation, our team works with individuals to help them prepare for ongoing, sustainable care, including support with transitioning to longer‑term providers through insurance benefits, sliding‑scale services, or community‑based options when needed.

This model allows us to balance immediate support with lasting impact—helping participants build a foundation for continued mental health care beyond the program.

Foundation of Care is designed to support both immediate access to care and long‑term stability. Throughout participation, our team works with individuals to plan for next steps, which may include transitioning to ongoing therapy through insurance benefits, sliding‑scale providers, or other community‑based options.

Our goal is to ensure participants are not left without support and have a clear path forward beyond their time in the program.

Foundation of Care is a charitably funded program designed to bridge gaps in access to mental health services. We combine:

• Individualized care coordination
• Time‑limited financial support
• Outcome‑driven clinical oversight
• A focus on dignity, choice, and long‑term wellbeing

Our aim is not only symptom relief, but helping participants build a sustainable path forward.