The South Bay Youth Project has served families in the cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, the Palos Verdes peninsula, Lomita, and El Segundo since 1975. Originally formed to prevent young people from entering the juvenile justice system, this non-profit program has evolved into a multifaceted organization that is dedicated to assisting any youth who is experiencing difficulties at home, school, or in the community. The Projects seventy licensed therapists counsel a diverse range of problems, including: family or school problems, acting-out behaviors, substance abuse, physical or sexual abuse, parental neglect, or inadequate supervision, etc. Referrals are received from schools, law enforcement agencies, parents and youth. A parent must call the Project to arrange for counseling. The Project will conduct an assessment to determine the needs of the student and his/her family and make a referral to one of the therapists. The services that may be included are: individual, family or group counseling; crisis intervention; substance abuse evaluation; education and treatment; parent education; assessment for inpatient treatment and shelter care. Clients are typically seen for counseling once a week. At the end of ten weeks, an assessment is conducted to determine whether or not additional counseling services are needed. Parents are usually requested to attend some or all of the counseling sessions in an effort to provide support for the entire family. Fees for counseling are based on a familys ability to pay. The Project staff and parents determine how much the family will contribute toward the cost of counseling. Parents are also encouraged to check with their employer or health insurance carrier to determine whether or not counseling is covered by their insurance plan. For further information contact the Project at (310) 372-7724 or 372-1171 ext. 3457.