Business Details
Emergency
services
Mental Health Counseling & Homelessness Prevention Services
Founded over 50 years ago, our organization has dedicated decades to addressing mental health and homelessness in Santa Barbara County. We provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed counseling services through a team of 35+ volunteer masters and doctoral-level clinicians, serving over 600 individuals annually. Our Safe Parking Program, the nations first of its kind, has become a model for communities nationwide by offering secure overnight parking while connecting participants to permanent housing and employment. Through our Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, weve helped over 1,000 veterans and their families escape homelessness.Our Person-Centered Philosophy ensures every service prioritizes client dignity, autonomy, and community integration. With $4 million in direct financial assistance distributed to date, including over $1.1 million in a single year for housing and medical expenses, we remain committed to advocating for equitable systems while delivering life-changing outcomes through counseling, education, and housing support.
Services
Counseling Center
Safe Parking Program
Veteran Housing Assistance
Life Skills Education
Rapid Rehousing
Parenting Support
Disaster Relief Counseling
Case Management
Financial Assistance
Community Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of experience addressing mental health and homelessness in Santa Barbara County
- Our Safe Parking Program pioneered the first nationwide model for vehicle resident support
- Weve secured permanent housing for over 1,000 veterans through our SSVF program
- We provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care from 35+ volunteer master clinicians
- Weve distributed $4 million in direct financial assistance to housing and medical needs
Services
Counseling Center
Our Counseling Center provides accessible mental health services with 35+ volunteer master clinicians. Offering trauma-informed therapy to low-income individuals, we've delivered over 54,000 counseling hours annually while maintaining one of the nation's lowest sliding-scale fees. Our volunteer professionals ensure quality care remains available to Santa Barbara County residents regardless of financial circumstance.
Safe Parking Program
This pioneering program offers secure overnight parking spaces for individuals living in vehicles, coupled with housing assistance. We connect participants to permanent housing solutions while providing access to essential services. Our model has been replicated nationwide, helping thousands transition from vehicle living to stable housing through case management and community partnerships.
Veteran Housing Assistance
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program prevents and ends homelessness for veterans across Santa Barbara County. With over 1,000 veterans housed since 2013, we provide rapid rehousing assistance, case management, and long-term support. Our dedicated team connects veterans to benefits, employment, and mental health resources tailored to their specific needs.
Life Skills Education
Our psychoeducational programs address parenting skills, PTSD management, and youth development. Partnering with local safety net organizations, we offer free classes to vulnerable populations including veterans and at-risk families. These programs complement our counseling services by building practical life skills that support long-term stability and family cohesion.
Disaster Relief Counseling
Following natural disasters like the Los Angeles fires, we provide complimentary three-month mental health counseling. Our crisis response includes intake processing, trauma support, and access to quiet facilities for remote work or rest. Specialized services for first responders and displaced individuals ensure comprehensive post-disaster mental health care.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide trauma-informed counseling through 35+ volunteer master clinicians, offering sliding-scale fees for low-income residents in Santa Barbara County.
How can veterans access housing assistance?
Our SSVF Program connects veterans with rapid rehousing, benefits navigation, and case management. Contact our Intake Coordinator at (805) 455-6878.
Can I volunteer or donate to support your work?
We accept volunteers for fundraising events, direct donations, and in-kind gifts through our Amazon Wish List available on our Ways to Give page.
What financial assistance programs do you offer?
We distribute over $1.1 million annually for rent, utilities, and medical expenses through targeted assistance programs for housing-insecure individuals and families.
How does your person-centered approach work?
We tailor services to individual needs through collaborative planning processes that prioritize client dignity, autonomy, and community integration in all our programs.
Reviews (6)
Annette Smith
Nov 02, 2021
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Been calling and leaving several messages for over 3 weeks, without any call backs. I'm going to report the business closed.
Ruffles K.
Nov 01, 2021
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Just be careful. in my experience the "safe" gimmick can be deceptive. this was supposed to be an all woman lot in SB city but I was harassed by two men and one who behaved threateningly towards me. these were supposedly residents. I don't know what the dangers are in regards to other parkers. had to quit the program. back to being overnight homeless but hopefully treated better. do these "permits" mean anything? no Lot Attendant answers the phone and are you ready to call 911? bad situations happen fast. not worth the risk. no residents or anyone should approach you, that
Scott Young
Oct 04, 2019
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As a student pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, I've had the opportunity to work with a number of different clients at New Beginnings. For a low fee clinic focused on helping those who don't currently have the financial means to seek help elsewhere, I can say, without question, that New Beginnings goes above and beyond to accommodate people who are struggling with a wide variety of issues. The support for counselors is top notch as well with a great selection of supervisors and an abundance of training and didactic opportunities. I co-led the anger management classes on multiple
The Amethyst Kitchen
Dec 10, 2018
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What I find disappointing is you cant talk to anyone. Every call goes to voice mail and calls go unanswered. I was refered by someone who had great luck with them. I did not recieve any response good or bad. I would not call them again.
X. D.
Dec 09, 2018
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As a veteran who was facing homelessness and was referred to them by the VA Dept, they didn't seem to care or have any way to help me and my family as we were facing homelessness. I found this out after WEEKS of calling, they NEVER answer the phone or return voicemails. If you're a veteran needing help with homelessness, steer clear of this place because it's a waste of your time. God only knows where the money they receive in donations and the government to help homeless veterans goes to. Probably lining their pockets while they tell people, sorry we can't help you...
Tim Pettit
Jun 06, 2018
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New Beginnings I've found individual psychological counseling that's professional, good and affordable. It helped me.
