Palisadians Honored for Mental Health Advocacy

In support of the Southern California Counseling Center’s 49 years providing high-quality, affordable mental health counseling to the Los Angeles community, more than 400 people gathered at Smashbox Studios in Culver City on May 2.

The event, “Absolutely Smashing,” honored Palisadians Miriam Muscarolas and Grant Abramson for their 25-plus years of involvement and support. Palisadians attending included board members Lora Fremont and John Taylor along with Janet Taylor, Gail Schenbaum and Eric Lawton, Angie and Bill Cloke, Shelly Bermont and Clay Lorinsky, Pam and Bill Bruns, Patty Williams and Kenneth Turan, Donna and John Sussman, Stephanie and Brian Lushing and Isabella and Gary Solis. 

During their remarks, honorees Muscarolas and Abramson spoke about their dedication to creating a more equitable world by helping exceptional nonprofits like the SCCC provide access to opportunities that are common in affluent communities, including quality mental health counseling. Like the SCCC, they deeply believe that mental health counseling is a right, not a privilege.

With 115 volunteer counselors who are supervised by 85 licensed clinicians who are also volunteers, SCCC provides more than 40,000 hours of counseling for individuals, couples and families each year, seven days a week. More than half of their clients pay $16 or less per session to receive mental health care from highly trained counselors.  The SCCC is entirely funded by private contributions from individuals and foundations and client fees.

The successful event raised nearly $400,000, including $240,000 to fund two full years of Trauma and Resiliency Training and Treatment Services. Launched in 2012, the program teaches counselors skills to use with adult and teen clients who have suffered from various forms of trauma, including trauma due to domestic violence, community violence, racism and prejudice.

For more information, contact (323) 937-1344,  www.sccc-la.org.