FAQS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS)?
ACS is a community-based mental health agency dedicated to empowering youth in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Founded in 1975, we provide social-emotional support and build safe, accepting communities for teens, tweens, and young adults aged 5–25 through our programs. We serve 26,000+ individuals annually and provide the following services:
- Mental Health Counseling: Affordable after-school mental health services for teens and families at our Redwood City headquarters, as well as free counseling services at local elementary, middle, and high schools
- Substance Addiction Treatment: Harm reduction and outpatient treatment for teens struggling with substance use.
- LGBTQIA Support: Support for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families through counseling, education, support groups, consultations, leadership development, and advocacy
- Educational Workshops: Free public workshops throughout the year and private trainings for a fee. Topics include SOGIE 101, Motivational Interviewing, How to Use Narcan, Suicide Prevention, and more.
- Social and Clinical Support Groups: Social groups that provide informal peer support and Psychoeducational groups for teens and their caregivers that offer a structured support system and healthy coping tools
- Clinical Internships: A variety of clinical training opportunities to a full spectrum of mental health trainees, practicum students and interns
Where is ACS located?
Our headquarters is located at 1779 Woodside Road, Suite 200, Redwood City, CA 94061
* Please note that we do not accept walk-in appointments.
How can I request counseling services for my teen?
To request an appointment, you can choose from the following options:
- Fill out our intake form
- Email us at info@acs-teens.org
- Call our intake line at 650-424-0852 x108
* Please note that we do not accept walk-in appointments. Our clinicians will contact you shortly after receiving your request.
What are your fees for your services?
We offer a sliding scale fee for all services based on income, and no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Fees are discussed during the intake process and are made possible in part through the generosity of our donors.
Some ACS services are offered at no cost, including on-campus counseling services at participating schools and Outlet social support groups.What is the Outlet program?
Outlet is ACS’s LGBTQIA+ program that empowers youth through support groups, counseling, leadership training, and education in both Spanish and English. It serves as a vital resource for LGBTQIA+ teens, families, and allies in the Bay Area.
Founded in 1997, Outlet empowers Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Agender + (LGBTQIA+) youth and builds safe and accepting communities through support, education, and advocacy. Outlet envisions a world that embraces, empowers, and celebrates LGBTQIA+ youth. Outlet officially became a program of ACS in 2013.
Do you offer services in languages other than English? / ¿Ofrecen servicios en otros idiomas además del inglés?
Yes, we provide bilingual services in both English and Spanish. Services in other languages may be available depending on intern availability.
Sí, ofrecemos servicios bilingües en inglés y español. También pueden estar disponibles servicios en otros idiomas, dependiendo de la disponibilidad de nuestros internos.
How can I stay updated on ACS events and news?
Sign up for one or both of our newsletters:
- The Guide – ACS’ quarterly e-newsletter.
- Outspoken – Outlet’s quarterly e-newsletter.
These newsletters provide updates on events, workshops, and program announcements.
How can I support ACS?
There are several ways to get involved:
- Donate: Contribute to our programs and services.
- Volunteer: Assist with events, support groups, or administrative tasks.
- Sponsor: Partner with us for our annual fundraising events.
- Contact us for more information!
How can I contact ACS for more information?
For general inquiries, please contact us at:
- Email: info@acs-teens.org
- Phone: 650-424-0852
- For specific program inquiries:
- Clinical Programs: Contact our Executive Director at 650-424-0852 x101 or doug@acs-teens.org
- Outlet Program: Contact the Outlet staff at 650-424-0852 x107 or outletprogram@acs-teens.org
- Donations and Marketing: Contact our Director of Philanthropy & Marketing at 650-424-0852 x105 or development@acs-teens.org
