Start with Three
Three therapy sessions. No cost.
Pathways Start with Three gives eligible new CYS clients the opportunity to receive three individual therapy sessions at no cost through private CYS funding. It’s an easy way to experience therapy, build support, and discover whether therapy may be right for you.
In person & telehealth • English & Spanish
Available to eligible new CYS therapy clients who reside in South Orange County through December 31, 2026, while funding and therapist availability remain.
-
NO COST TO GET STARTED
Three individual therapy sessions are covered through special CYS funding.
-
NO LONG-TERM COMMITMENT
Start with three sessions and experience therapy without committing to ongoing services.
-
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Work one-on-one with a carefully selected student therapist enrolled in a graduate program under the close supervision of a licensed clinical professional.
-
FLEXIBLE OPTIONS
Sessions are available in person at our Laguna Hills or Tustin offices, or through telehealth when appropriate.
IS START WITH THREE RIGHT FOR YOU?
Pathways Start with Three may be a good fit if you:
✓ Live in South Orange County (inquire if outside the area)
✓ Are new to CYS therapy services
✓ Would like to explore whether therapy could be helpful for you or your child
✓ Are comfortable working with a student therapist enrolled in a graduate program
✓ Can commit to attending up to three scheduled therapy sessions
✓ Do not already have CYS therapy funded through a school or other program
✓ Are clinically appropriate for the program based on CYS’s intake process
Already receiving therapy at CYS?
Start with Three was created specifically to help new clients begin therapy and is not available to current CYS therapy clients.
Who will I work with?
You’ll be matched with a carefully selected student therapist who is currently completing a graduate degree in mental health and gaining supervised clinical experience at CYS.
Our student therapists may be completing their training as MFT Trainees, Social Work Interns or PCC Trainees. Each student is carefully screened by CYS and works under the close supervision of our experienced, licensed clinical supervisors.
This model gives you the benefit of one-on-one support along with the additional guidance and oversight of a licensed clinical professional.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THREE SESSIONS?
There’s no obligation to continue. If you’d like additional support, we’ll talk with you about available options and help determine the next step that works best for you.
PREFER A POSTGRADUATE THERAPIST?
CYS also offers therapy with postgraduate clinicians who have already earned their master’s degree and are completing supervised clinical experience toward independent licensure. These services are available through our regular Pathways Therapy program at our affordable session rate.
Start with Three is made possible through limited private funding.
WHY IS START WITH THREE LIMITED?
California Youth Services is a nonprofit organization. Funding from a private funder allows CYS to offer Start with Three at no cost to eligible new therapy clients, with priority given to families living in South Orange County.
Because funding is limited, Start with Three is currently available through December 31, 2026, based on available funding and therapist availability.
Live outside South Orange County? We encourage you to inquire about availability.
Your support can help another child, teen or adult begin therapy without cost being the barrier.
HELP KEEP START WITH THREE GOING
Donations, grants and fundraising make Start with Three possible and help us continue providing this opportunity to new clients in our community. Every contribution helps extend the reach of Start with Three and gives more people the opportunity to experience the benefits of therapy.
Your gift helps make therapy more accessible to those who need it.
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
Getting started is simple.
-
1
REACH OUT
Complete the request form below or contact CYS to tell us you're interested in therapy. Mention you would like to participate in the Start with Three.
-
2
MEET YOUR THERAPIST
We’ll connect you with a student therapist enrolled in a graduate program based on your needs. Your first session includes your intake, giving your therapist a chance to learn more about you, what you’re experiencing and what you hope to get out of therapy.
-
3
EXPERIENCE START WITH THREE
Continue with your remaining two sessions to explore your goals, receive support and experience what therapy can offer. After your third session, you and your therapist can discuss next steps if you’d like to continue.
Questions? Call CYS at (949) 303-9016 • Hablamos Español
-
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
Request Pathways Start with Three
Interested in receiving three therapy sessions at no cost? Complete the form and a member of the CYS team will contact you to discuss availability and next steps.
NOTE: Start with Three is available to eligible new CYS therapy clients who live in South Orange County and do not already have CYS therapy funded through a school or other program. Availability is limited based on program funding and pre-graduate therapist availability.