Watts Counseling and Learning Center
The Watts Counseling and Learning Center is a unique community service of Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Since 1967, the Center has provided counseling, outreach, and educational services to the residents of Watts and the surrounding communities. Watch the overview video to learn more about the WCLC.
The Need
The Center was established just two years after the 1965 Watts civil unrest, to provide essential mental health and educational resources for the children and families of Watts, regardless of whether or not they are Kaiser Permanente members. The Center’s motto of “helping people grow” supports the philosophy that empowering multi-generational individuals and families to cope with stresses and barriers will ultimately strengthen the community.
In keeping with this year’s 2017 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade® theme, “Echoes of Success,” Kaiser Permanente has announced that it will commemorate the Center’s 50th anniversary with a float celebrating “50 Years of Helping People Grow.” Click here for details about the float.
Our Work
Counseling—The Center provides individual, family, marital, parent/child, and group therapy in English and Spanish, as well as specialized support for children experiencing life threatening family illness. In addition, the Center offers graduate level social work and MFT intern training under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
Educational Therapy—The Center offers specialized individual or small group educational therapy for children with learning difficulties. These sessions provide a wide range of intensive, individualized interventions designed to remediate learning differences. Advocacy training is also available to parents and care givers to assist with navigating the special education system. Supervised graduate level education therapy intern training is also available.
Child Development—Preschool Education for Parents and Children (PEPC) is a full day early childhood education program that develops school readiness skills and motivates preschool children to enjoy learning. PEPC is both state licensed and nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Ongoing parent education groups are also part of the program. Tuition is based on a nominal sliding-scale fee.
Outreach—The Center offers unique outreach programs to help students of all ages achieve academic and personal success. Our programs include homework assistance, SAT/ACT preparation classes, personal development, academic coaching, college-bound support and youth work preparation. In addition to programs, the Center is an active community partner, participating in a variety of community events and other collaborations that support community life.
Watch the video to learn more about the Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling and Learning Center's 50 years of service.
