Masonic Homes of California Opens New Psychological Services Center in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Masonic Homes of California today announced the opening of the Masonic Center for Youth and Families, a not-for-profit, outpatient facility that will provide integrated psychological services to youth ages 4 to 17 struggling with behavioral, academic, emotional, or social difficulties.

"Existing resources to help young people are strained and at times limited. The Masonic Center for Youth and Families is one of the few centers in the nation to bring together testing, assessment and treatment services under one roof," says Steffani Kizziar, executive director.

The center, located in San Francisco's historic Presidio, is now accepting clients. Youth and families are eligible to receive services, which include:

• Comprehensive assessment of the youth through cognitive, personality, and neuropsychological tests as well as interviews with the parents, teachers, and other individuals for additional insight
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy, family therapy, and couples therapy treatment delivered through individual and group therapy and analysis
• Comprehensive treatment management during and after care

"As professionals, we have witnessed attrition and oversimplification of needed services for children and adolescents," says Dr. Terrence Owens, clinical director. "We are steadfast in our commitment to provide young people and their families the help they need and address psychological difficulties in a complex, comprehensive and thorough manner."

Many of the staff professionals are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in various disciplines of the mental health field. The center's integrative model of multidisciplinary collaboration among the clinical professionals provides the benefit of multiple perspectives for each client.

Each member of the center's clinical staff holds advanced degrees and licenses and has an average of 20+ years of experience. Besides Dr. Owens, clinical director, key staff includes Philip Erdberg, PhD, research and assessment director, and Michael Bronzo, MD, medical director.

Charitable funding provided by the Masons of California allows the Masonic Center for Youth and Families to offer accessible treatment and flexible payment options. The center reviews each potential client on a case-by-case basis to ensure that all in need receive treatment, regardless of financial limitations.

"Our organization has been an advocate for youth and seniors for more than 110 years," says Melvin Matsumoto, executive vice president of the Masonic Homes of California. "The founding of this center demonstrates our commitment to helping young people feel understood and empowered to realize their potential."

For more information about the Masonic Center for Youth and Families, including the application and treatment process, visit www.mcyaf.org.

About the Masonic Homes of California

In 1898, the spirit of Masonic charity and the need to assist the widows and orphans of Masons led to the creation of the Masonic Homes of California. In the century since, the Masonic Homes has evolved to meet the changing needs of the fraternal family. Today, the Masonic Homes of California provides senior residential services and outreach programs to Masons and their families throughout the state, and continues its legacy of support services for youth, regardless of Masonic affiliation.

SOURCE Masonic Homes of California