San Diego Center for Children

Antonio Herrejon

My name is Anette and I’m 14. I was a patient here from April 18th to June 2nd. Most of the staff were so helpful. They treated us like “normal” mentally healthy kids. A few staff were a bit too stuck up on rules, but most of them were so kind and empathetic. The school there had such kind and understanding teachers, always ready to lend you coping mechanisms when needed. My therapist, Ms. Michelle, was so sweet and kind. She helped me so much in my recovery. She helped me learn that its okay to put myself first, and that it wasn’t my responsibility to help everyone else with their issues when I’m dealing with my own. She helped me learn the difference between caring and putting someone else before me. I had so many favorites when it came to staff. Ms. Bailey, Ms. Shelly, Ms. Jessa, Mr. Clarence, Ms. Yesenia, Mr. Joe, Ms. Neesha… it goes on and on. I wont say its the most perfect place, but it truly did help me. My parents had me in the waiting list for 3 residentials. They prayed that the best one would open up first, and it was this one. And God, their prayers worked. I met good and bad people, i made friends. I met great people, and they truly made me feel understood. I will never forget how this place quite literally saved my life. It isn’t perfect and the food sucked like 99% of the time, but it was perfect enough for me. It helped me. It saved me. I didnt even want to leave. When it was time for me to go, i sobbed and cried, begging to stay. I had so much fun here and it made me happy. But it wasn’t just fun of course, it was helpful. So so very helpful. I started eating again and i fixed my sleeping schedule. Its all ruined now because of how sudden my parents pulled me out, but this place had me feeling the most relieved, free, and happiest I’ve ever been. Thanks to you, i finally had a good happy summer. I haven’t felt this way in 4 years. I truly recommend this place. It had activities everyday, and those helped me a lot. It would distract me from bad thoughts. They werent always fun, but they were helpful. They had a gaming room with a nintendo switch, a ps4, two computers, and a tv. It was always the highlight of my weekend going there. The outings were so much fun. It helped me get used to the outside world a little more. I got passed so I could leave for a few hours and spend time with my family. But the people staying there were like a family to me. A big messed up family who was always there to help each other. Its different for everyone, but it was wonderful for me. Id recommend coming or sending someone here. But beware, the school has just as much drama as any other one. There were a few fights during my stay. Still had a hell of a good time. I miss the family I built there

alyssa c

i was a patient here in january of 2021. i can say that some staff actually cares about the kids and try to help while others enforce rules too much and couldnt let us be. it felt like we couldn't enjoy ourselves and be free. like we have lost some rights. i've heard staff members say they wanna put a teen down and rolled their eyes after a child has asked for something. some staff are really lazy and rude. the place itself doesn't look welcoming, or for teens. we were restricted to only talk on the phone for a maximum of 20 minutes a day which wasnt enough, also considering the fact they only had one phone that we could use. a staff member would have to be in there while the phone call. they say they don't listen yet they talk to us after about the phone call. the food was bad and we mostly just drank water. there were levels which made sense to do. school wasn't bad but at the same time they messed up with my schedule. some classes they offer are unique. we had groups, i'd say 3 per week which just consisted with the unit and actual therapists. there was individual and family therapy once a week. we also had extra groups that wasnt forced upon us like music and poetry group. i felt like we were mostly in our rooms while they sorted out things for us to do for the day. you get consequences for rolling your eyes or not following directions. consequences consisted of community service, room time, levels dropping, and writing an essay or a whole page of the same sentence. they take tally's if you did hygiene and ate. i felt so restricted here. and as a 16 year old that will become an adult soon, i felt like this was not the place for me. not only could it hold me back from graduating early, but it also made me feel trapped. they have such poor communication with parents as well. my parents were not told they could visit, i had to tell them. this place can do better. they need new dryers as it doesn't even dry clothes. and with some staff. some staff should be considered being fired as they don't treat the kids with kindness and the same respect. on the other hand, some staff tried to make it enjoyable, safe, and a place where it could actually benefit us. staff includes jessa, nesha, monique, guliana, jessica, joe, and i forgot her name but the pregnant one from pm staff and another staff member that helped me drain my blankets (there are two male staff members but i forgot their names). these are the staff that actually want to help kids!! they try their bests to talk and be there for us. as for my therapist, i felt like she wasn't a big help and that i had to keep advocating myself to other staff members and my parents. i didn't feel heard with some staff and my therapist. i'd ask to go on a movement break and they'd say there wasn't enough people on floor. i understand that but i feel as if they should be more considerate of our feelings. this place says nonprofit but i do feel as if some kids are there for the benefit of the money. i feel as if it doesn't actually help and many don't care. although this place can help you grow up and learn to take care of yourself and support you, i do not recommend places like this for 17 and up as it holds you back if you're somewhat stable. but please get the help if you feel as if you need it and support.

Renita Brooks

I called trying to get help for my daughter but was turned away because we are low-income. This place is supposed to be here to help kids when they need help not turn them away because of income. Where is the help for families that are low-income that want to better the lives of their own children but just need a helping hand. Do all you guys see only dollar signs $$$$ on the face of theses children? I would give no stars if it would allow me to. So disappointed.

Ava rose

I normally don’t do this but I want to have an accurate review. I am not an employee, past employee and family member or friend of any employee. I do have a daughter there but have no alliances to anyone there. You probably think this is going to be a rant. It is not. My child arrive approximately a month ago. She is nine. We have been struggling since the age of three with her. She has had counseling, many, many meds and even to Aurora. This is a last result. I cried and cried and even wanted to pull her out after the first night. Not because she was being hurt or mishandled there but because I felt guilty and a failure as a mother. I will say that we have had many interactions with staff and all but one or two have been amazing. They follow up if your child has any type of incident, and try there best to help them. The one incident that I will say was a small worry was when my daughter said one of the employees in her pod pushed her. Immediately they transferred him to a new pod and did an investigation. To that I will say, my daughter is in there for behavior issues and does tend to overreact and lie. The school is amazing there. I wish we lived closer and she could just attend school there. Nine students to four teachers. She is praised constantly and loves going to school now. There are outings for good behavior and they get bucks to buy things with good behavior. Her therapist, Christina is amazing. If I had enough money I would have her as our own personal therapist. She is helpful and never tells us, times up! Our drive is an hour away so we visit once a week and now we are on weekend visits. I started off unsure of this but now feel we did the best thing for our child. I am hoping to get more services for home when she is discharged. My one complaint if I had one is they didn’t tell us on enrollment that they would be taking her blood once a week. I am sure it was an over site but it needs to be made aware of for further kids.