The Family Guidance and Therapy Center - San Diego, California

Cristi Walker

I'm attaching a photo of an email sent to me from the owner, Jenny. She says she does not condone the behavior our clinician displayed, yet the clinician still works for the company so it seems that Jenny does condone it.

In case I cannot attach a photo, it reads "I do not think it is acceptable to get drunk at events. I do not think it's professional to cancel last minute. I do not think it's acceptable to bill sessions that have not been done. I do not think it's acceptable to invite a client to an outside event. I do not feel like it's acceptable to not share these things with your supervisor. I do not have a way to rectify any of this with your family."

Christina Karaba

When your child is diagnosed with autism, there is a confusing maze of therapies, strategies, providers, insurance, to figure out. It's overwhelming, daunting, scary, and frustrating. I found The Family Guidance and Therapy Center because I was specifically looking for RDI therapy. They were the closest provider to the Los Angeles area which offered RDI that I was able to find. I spoke to the main therapist in August for a family intake, everything seemed copacetic. We did another assessment session with another therapist and was told we'd have an appointment with the therapist that would be working with my daughter in October. Long wait, but we wanted RDI so I was willing stand by. An hour before our first session was due to take place, I received an email that the meeting was cancelled. If you have any experience with Autistic people, you know, last minute changes are especially tough on them... and given this was a therapeutic office specifically for people on the spectrum, I was pretty surprised something like that would happen. They claimed they didn't know the the therapist was going to back out last minute and it was out on their control. Fine. A week goes by and no one from the office followed up about next steps, rescheduling, new therapist -- radio silence. So, I follow-up and when they finally write back, they're totally defensive with me saying that covid was tough on their office, and its not their fault, they don't have an update, go ahead and try another practice everyone has long waits... Which wasn't the point. They cancelled on us last minute and then never followed up with next steps. Two big red flags I wasn't willing to ignore. So, I told them I was going to look elsewhere for therapy. Then, randomly, a $200.00 charge shows up on my debit card. We've never received services there, and my insurance was approved - so what is this charge for exactly? Who knows - they refuse to write me back and tell me. The charge showed up on 10.26 at which point I emailed to ask - no response. I followed up on the 27th - and I got a response several hours later that said "director is out of the office today, but I will follow up with her on this when she returns tomorrow." It's now 10/29 and I still haven't received response. Find another practice. This one is wildly unprofessional and apparently takes money from you even when you haven't received any sort of services from them. I would literally put zero starts if it was possible. Trust me - stay away from these shady people.

Kimberley Palmiotto

I have worked with the staff at the Family Guidance and Therapy Center for over 2 years now and I refer to them often when I have families in need. Their speciality in RDI is unique and needed in the community. I would not hesitate to recommend them for counseling or Autism intervention.

Michelle Takemoto

Dr. A'verria Martin is a fantastic clinician and she is always extremely attentive in her work with clients. I would highly recommend her to anyone in search of a new therapist. She is wonderful to work with and truly cares about her clients.

Sarah Fleming

Hallie Herbert is a great fit for my mothers and families who need post-partum support or support after infant or pregnancy loss. She is nurturing, motivating, and cares about staying current in research that serves the needs of her clients. She is a strong addition to The Family Guidance and Therapy Center. -Dr. Sarah Fleming, MD. Attending Neonatologist, Scripps Mercy Hospital

Sameer Asaad

They are horrible this was the bad experience ever had in my life, i am sorry for the good therapist working there if there is any for saying that, here is my experience with them after spending time getting the one insurance approvals and all that started the pain journey following with BCBA write the goal so we can work together therapy giving the service and us as family it took us three months to get that till i write my self and send to them, which even though you have therapist you have to do the work your self and tell them what d.
Secondly the BCBA decided to leave the company without handing off the case to any and i was trying to get access to any of that information the answer was we are not able to connect the BCBA and good luck
Three months late i got bill which i have to pay for sessions that i never took completely incorrect statement

Nicole Van Ness

Jenny Palmiotto is a talented, diligent therapist and the Family Guidance & Therapy Center is a great center. I would refer people in a heartbeat!

Alex Amaya

They have done an excellent job with my Autistic children, very professional and extensive knowledge!