Community Resource Directory

The following are available resources in Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. In some cases your child must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to receive services. Please contact individual agencies for more information about their specific requirements or call SPIN. If you would like to recommend a resource please email us at info@spinsc.org.

SPIN is a neutral resource for information and does not endorse, recommend, or make representations with respect to the research, services, medications, treatments, or products of specific individuals.

Therapies

ABA BEHAVIOR THERAPY:

ACES (Santa Cruz County)

Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families impacted with autism or other special needs. They provide comprehensive, professional services to maximize individuals' potential in the home, school and community, throughout their lifespan.

Phone: (831) 824-2024

Website: www.acesaba.com

Beyond Behavior Therapy (Santa Cruz County)

At Beyond Behavior Therapy, we provide focused, holistic behavior therapy tailored to meet the unique needs of children and young adults.

Phone: (952) 457-3963

Website: www.beyondbehaviorca.com

Central Coast ABA (San Benito County)

High-quality, holistic care to children with autism and other developmental differences. Offering both in-home and community-based ABA therapy, tailored to your child's needs.

Phone: (408) 688-1373

Website: www.centralcoastaba.com

Center for Social Dinamics (Santa Cruz County)

CSD Santa Cruz is committed to providing the highest quality of ABA, Occupational Therapy, Social Skills, and Early Intervention (birth to three) services for our community.

Phone: (877) 910-6538

Website: www.csdautismservices.com

Honu Intervention (Santa Cruz County)

Honu Intervention provides children and their families with professional family-centered intervention and effective care coordination between interdisciplinary team members. We offer Early Start, private, and out-of-pocket services for early intervention, behavioral support; and speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

Phone: (831) 316-4699

Website: www.honuintervention.com

Mosaic Behavior Consulting (Santa Cruz County)

Through building excellent professional relationships with persons with developmental disabilities and their families and service providers for more than 25 years, Yassamin Faraj brings creativity, passion, and a positive outlook to the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) service delivery system. Yassamin's previous work experience includes the areas of education, advocacy, and quality assurance. Although she has worked with all ages, her passion includes working with adults as this population is growing and in need of increased attention, support, and services. Yassamin has a Master’s of Education in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as national certification from the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB).

Website: https://mosaicbc.net/

Third Wave ABA (Santa Cruz County)

Third Wave ABA considers each family member as part of the process and enhancing family wellness is part of how we change lives, not just behavior.

Phone: (831) 531-7123

Website: www.thirdwaveaba.com

Trumpet Behavioral Health - (Santa Cruz County)

their goal is to help your child reach their full potential. We proudly offer in-home services in the Santa Cruz and Central Coast areas. Our Capitola team is completely dedicated to your child’s care, utilizing evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment strategies to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increase communication, develop independence, and learn important life skills.

Phone: (831) 424-5565

Website: www.bluesprigautism.com

ALTERNATIVE MEDECINE AND THERAPIES:

SpeechRighter Plus – A Therapeutic Learning Center (Santa Cruz County)

To empower children with special needs to thrive in their own lives; to reach their full potential; to provide parents and families with an action plan to achieve the dreams they have for their child, supported by innovative intervention, education and dedication to the science of our fields and the art of caring.

Phone: 831-854-2060

Website: https://speechrighter.com/

Zinnanti Institute of Neuroscience (Santa Cruz County)

Dr. Zinnanti Specializes in Neurology with specific qualifications in Child Neurology. He has training and expertise in treating traumatic brain injury, Autism, Parkinson's, Stroke, Alzheimer's, tics and seizure disorders, balance concerns and visual changes. Treatments are offered for headache, migraine, ADD/ADHD, anxiety & depression.

Phone: 831-600-7697

Website: https://www.zinnantimd.com/

ART THERAPY:

Shine a Light Counseling Center (Santa Cruz County)

Shine a Light Counseling Center offers therapy in all formats (Family, Couple Individual, Child and Group) for a wide variety of life’s challenges.

Phone: 831-996-1222

Website: www.shinealight.info

EDUCATIONAL THERAPIST OR CONSULTANT:

Alberta James, Educational Therapist (Santa Cruz County)

Alberta specializes in supporting students with reading development and literacy through multi-sensory instruction, math, attention and executive functioning challenges, academic organization, learning disabilities/differences Her therapeutic approach combines evidence-based practices along with key elements of educational therapy.

Phone: 831-685-2453

Website: https://albertajames.weebly.com/

Caroline Ceconi, ET/P (Santa Cruz County)

Educational Therapy Professional

Adolescent
Adult
Preschool
Elementary

Phone: 831-688-2144

Methods For Success – Lorette Keane M.A. A.E.T. (Santa Cruz County)

Methods for Success provides Structured Literacy services to meet the comprehensive needs of children and adolescents with suspected or diagnosed language/learning disabilities, dyslexia, dyscalculia, auditory processing, SLD, and ADD/ADHD all of which can contribute to difficulties in school.

Phone: 408-202-2244

Website: https://www.methodsforsuccess.com/

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION INSTRUCTION/INTERVENTION

Beyond Behavior Therapy LLC (Santa Cruz County)

At Beyond Behavior Therapy, we provide compassionate, BCBA-led behavioral services to children and young adults (ages 3-22) with disabilities and complex social, emotional, and functional needs. Our approach is centered on empowering both the individual and their support system through personalized interventions that promote meaningful growth across home, school, and community settings.

Phone: 952-457-3963

Website: https://www.beyondbehaviorca.com/

Fit Learning – Aptos and East Bay (Santa Cruz County)

Fit Learning pinpoints and then establishes and individualized program that helps our learners build fluency in core academic skills by combining learning science, precision teaching, and curriculum-based assessment. The result is learners who are confident, possess the ability to expertly perform in any classroom environment, and who acquire a newfound capacity and enthusiasm for learning.

Phone: 831-251-8215

Website: https://bayarea.fitlearning.com/

Growing Social (Santa Cruz County)

Growing Social at Larkin Valley Farm is a therapeutic, educational program that supports those with social learning challenges (including high functioning Autism, Aspergerʼs Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, NVLD, and those without a formal diagnosis but who struggle socially) in a safe, engaging outdoor environment.

Phone: 408-806-4603

Website: https://growingsocial.org/

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

SpeechRighter (Santa Cruz County)

Phone: 831-854-2060

Website: https://speechrighter.com/

The Jean Kvamme Center for Adaptive Riding (was Lichen Oaks) (Santa Cruz County)

is dedicated to healing – healing of body, mind and spirit – and creating a joyful experience for riders and their families. Our goal is to help mend broken bodies, brighten the outlook of discouraged minds and lift up brokenhearted spirits. We hope to help you through our programs of therapeutic horseback riding and horsemanship.

Phone: 831-335-2347

Website: https://www.kvammecenter.org

Pediatric Therapy Center (Santa Cruz County)

Pediatric Therapy Center uses a team approach that combines the knowledge and creativity of Occupational and Physical Therapists to meet each child’s specific therapy needs. The team believes it is important to work through a child’s strengths to build up their weaknesses. We focus on the child’s community.

Phone: 831-684-1804

Website: https://www.ptc-sc.com/

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Cabrillo College Stroke and Disability Learning Center (Santa Cruz County)

The goal of the SDLC is to support independence and promote maximum function for adults adapting to functional losses. Students participate in small-group instruction in Mobility and Fitness, Speech and Communication and Counseling Support.

Phone: 831-479-6100

Website: https://www.cabrillo.edu/stroke-disability-learning-center/

Pediatric Therapy Center (Santa Cruz County)

Phone: 831-684-1804

Website: https://www.ptc-sc.com/

PSYCHOLOGIST

Alicia Danforth, PhD (Santa Cruz County)

My passion as a therapist is helping clients manage social anxiety, recover from trauma, reduce depression and anxiety, and remove the mental and emotional barriers to reaching their goals. If you feel ready to navigate the social world with more confidence and ease instead of dread and avoidance. . . If you feel ready to explore autism through a fresh honest and affirming perspective . . . I hope you will give me a call today.

Phone: 408-634-9080

Website: https://www.aliciadanforth.com/

Cameron Jackson, Phd (Santa Cruz County)

Hello! Need help for children with autism, ADHD and other issues? Need an accurate diagnosis and report? Want assistance connecting with resources — school, government, medical — to help you?

Learn how you — or family members — can effectively change your thoughts and behaviors, feel more effective, experience more joy in life.

Phone: 831-688-6002

Website: https://www.freedomok.net/drcameron-info/

Youth Evaluation and Therapy: Dr. Kathryn Keithly (Santa Cruz County)

Kathryn (Katy) Keithly holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Educational Psychology. She has a State certification in School Psychology, is a licensed Educational Psychologist (#3485) and is a Board Certified Sport Psychologist. Katy got her start in Psychology at Cal State Monterey Bay were she graduated with a B.A and was the captain of CSUMB’s women’s golf team for four years. Katy also has been riding horses since she was five and competed throughout the United States.

Phone:
831-687-8626

Website: https://kmkpsych.com/

Sensory Integration

Tricounties Speech Services Inc. (San Benito County)

TriCounties Speech Services, Inc. provides bilingual speech therapy services, along with community awaremess on speech and early-intervention issues for English and Spanish spearking individuals in San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. We are a team of speech & early intervention therapists dedicated to providing the highest quality and most effective intervention available for each child. We work with families & enrichment programs to ensure that children are meeting developmental milestones. You can expect a fun atmosphere in our custom built clinic where children love to learn and don’t want to leave!

Phone:
831-630-9044

Website: https://tricountiesspeech.com/

Social Skills Instruction

SpeechRighter

Got Friends? Social Skills Learning Groups

Join ongoing dyads and groups to learn how to make friends and develop relationships.Build strategies, skills and self-esteem.Groups available for pre/k-12.

Your child is invited to participate in an ongoing group of 2-4 peers to develop social thinking skills that will enable him or her to learn socially appropriate strategies necessary to make friends and build relationships.

Got Friends? is designed for students experiencing difficulty navigating social waters. It is appropriate for children who do well in academics but have trouble making friends and interpreting social cues.

Children with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, or those without diagnosis but socially struggling benefit greatly by learning how to develop social cognition/social thinking skills necessary for developing and maintaining healthy and successful peer relationships.

Phone:
831-854-2060

Website: https://speechrighter.com/

Shine a Light Counseling Center

Groups and workshops are a great way to learn about yourself, your relationship patterns, and the skills you need to accomplish your life goals. Group therapy can provide a much broader experience of support, because you belong a community of peers working together for personal growth. While the initial moments of a group can sometimes feel awkward, the experiences in a group can build close relationships that last for years.

Phone:
831-996-1222

Website: https://www.shinealight.info/

This resource page is being updated with categorize and sub categorize to make the search of resources more efficient. We appreciate your patience. 9/16/2025

Adventures in Development

Currently offering speech and language therapy specializing in ages birth to 5 years old.

Website: www.adventuresindevelopmentnow.com

Balance4kids

Alternatives for children with severe disabilities.
Phone: (831) 464-8669
Website: www.balance4kids.org

The Bay School

A nonpublic school that offers education and intervention services to individuals with autism age's 3 through 22 years old.
Phone: (831) 462-9620
Website: www.thebayschool.org

California Children's Services (CCS)

A program that provides or arranges medical care, equipment, and therapy for children with CCS eligible disabling medical conditions.
Phone: Santa Cruz County (831) 763-8000, San Benito County (831) 637-5367
Website: www.santacruzhealth.org

California Department of Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation provides employment service to working age individuals with disabilities. Works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living, and equality for individuals with disabilities.
1350 41st Avenue, Suite 101, Capitola, Ca 95010
Phone: (831) 465-7100
Website: www.dor.ca.gov

California Autism Professional Training & Information Network

The California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) is a cross agency network developed to support the understanding and use of evidence based practices (EBPs) for individuals affected by Autism across the state of California.

Website: www.captain.ca.gov

Central Coast Center for Independent Living (CCCIL)

Information, referral and advocacy for individuals with special needs.
Phone: Santa Cruz County (831) 462-8720, San Benito County (831) 636-5196 or 757-2968
Website: www.cccil.com

Child Development Resource Center

Referrals for childcare in Santa Cruz County.
Phone: (831) 466-5820
Website: www.cdrc4info.org

Children's Mental Health

Mental Health services for children covered by MediCal or referred by another public agency.
Phone: Santa Cruz County (831) 454-4170 or 763-8270

Website: click here

Community Alliance for Special Education (CASE)

Provides legal support, representation, technical consultations and training to parents concerning special education services.
Phone: (415) 431-2285
Website: www.caseadvocacy.org

Community Life

Provides Independent Living Life Skills, Supported Employment & Employment Services as well as Independent Living Customizing Employment.
Phone: (831) 600-7778
Website: www.communitylifeservices.org

Coryell Autism Center

Coryell Autism Center is a non-public school providing specially-designed transition services to young people with autism ages 14 to 22.
Phone:(831) 713-5186
Website: www.coryellautismcenter.org

Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency Santa Cruz Support Services

Provides counseling, interpreting and advocacy for people who are deaf.
2045 40th Avenue, Suite B
Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (510) 343-6670
Website: www.dcara.org

Disability Rights California

Protects the legal, civil and service rights of individuals with developmental or mental disabilities through a variety of advocacy services.
(510) 267-1200
Website: www.disabilityrightsca.org

Early Start Program

The Early Start Program serves special needs infants and toddlers, ages birth to three years of age. These multidisciplinary services are provided to students and their families in cooperation with San Andreas Regional Center in home, community, and natural environments.
(831) 466-5784

Website: https://santacruzcoe.org/student-services/special-education/early-start-program

Easter Seals of Central California

A non-profit corporation that provides information and services for adults and children with disabilities and their families to improve lives.
Phone:

Santa Cruz County (831) 684-2166; San Benito County 637-2481
Website: centralcal.easterseals.com

Family Focused Support Network

Is an in-home behavior program designed to assist families with children who have developmental disabilities, such as autism, by using proven techniques to address the child's behaviors, developmental stages and neurological development..
Phone: (650) 866-4080
Website: www.aspiranet.org

Family Service Agency of the Central Coast

Offers counseling services, testing programs and other information for individuals with special needs.
Phone: (831) 423-9444
Website: www.familyservicecentralcoast.org

Field Public Health Nursing

Serves teen parents; families with premature babies, drug/alcohol exposed babies and at risk children.
Phone:(831) 454-4040
Website: www.santacruzhealth.org

Growing Social

Phone: (408) 806-4603

Website: https://growingsocial.org/

Hope Services

helps people with developmental disabilities be able to live and participate in their communities.
Phone: (408) 284-2850
Website: www.hopeservices.org

Housing Choices Coalition

Educating, Advocating and Creating Housing Opportunities for people with Developmental Disabilities
21 Brennan Street, Suite 18
Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: (831) 722-3954
Website: www.housingchoices.org

Imagine Supported Living Services

Imagine provides supported living and supported employment services to adults with developmental disabilities in Santa Cruz County.
1395 41st Ave., Suite A
Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831) 464-8355
Website: www.imaginesls.org

In-Home Support Services (IHSS)

In-Home Support Services provides in-home care and supervision of the child for the parent in order for the child to remain at home. The service is in addition to SARC respite.
Phone: (831) 454-4101 or (831)763-8800
Website: santacruzhumanservices.org

Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services

Jacob's Heart supports the entire family- art programs, counseling, financial assistance, in home and hospital visits, celebrations, and support groups.
Phone: (831) 724-9100
Website: www.jacobsheart.org

Leos Haven Accessible playground

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY'S FIRST INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES. LEO's Haven at Chanticleer Park will be a playground uniquely designed to provide all children access to the benefits of play while teaching the vital lessons of compassion, awareness, and acceptance. A playground where all children can belong.
www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org/

Lift Line

Low cost transportation within Santa Cruz County for the disabled.
Phone: (831) 688-9663
Website:www.communitybridges.com

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford

Parent Medical Information and Referral Hotline.
Phone: (800) 690-2282

website: www.stanfordchildrens.org

May Institute

The May Institute is a non-profit organization that provides educational and behavioral services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs. The May Institute also provides training and consultation services to professionals, organizations, and public school systems.
Phone: (800)778-7600
Website: www.mayinstitute.org

MediCal/MediCal Waiver Program

MediCal provides health insurance to low income families. MediCal Waiver is a program that allows the child with special needs to qualify for MediCal regardless of the family's income. Department of health care services (DHCS)

website: www.dhcs.ca.gov
Phone: Santa Cruz County (831) 454-4131, San Benito County (831)636-4180

Monarch ILS

Monarch's mission is to provide individualized supports to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities seeking greater independence.
Phone: (831) 316-5122
Website: monarchils.com

Monterey Coast Preparatory Middle and High School

MCP Offers a college preparatory education for students who learn differently.
Phone: (831) 458-9800
Website: exploremcp.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Santa Cruz County

NAMI-SCC offers support groups, networking opportunities, excellent classes for family members and clients and referral services to community resources.
Help Line: (831) 205-7074
Website:www.namiscc.org

Parents Center

Provides support and counseling services to families who have children age 12 and under with emotional difficulties.

website: www.parentscentersc.org

Phone:(831) 426-7322 or (831) 724-2879

Pediatrics Subspecialty Clinic

(Stanford High Risk Development Clinic)
Dominican Rehabilitation Services
824 Bay Ave
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 457-2361 FAX:(831) 457-2882
Website:https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/

Pediatric Therapy Center

Pediatric Therapy Center uses a team approach that combines the knowledge and creativity of Occupational, Speech-Language and Physical Therapists to meet each childâ€™s specific therapy needs. PTC evaluate and treat children birth to 18 years of age and provide clinic-based, home-based, or school-based therapy depending upon the needs of the child
1940 Bonita Drive,
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 684-1804
Website: www.ptc-sc.com

Red Cross

Transportation to Santa Clara County for medical appointments for the disabled. Call two weeks in advance.

website: redcross.org
Phone: (831) 462-2881 ext 11

San Andreas Regional Center (SARC)

A non-profit corporation funded to provide opportunities for independence at home and in the community for children and adults with developmental disabilities through information, advocacy and purchased services.
Phone: (831) 728-1781 or (831) 688-7633
Website: www.sanandreasregional.org

Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Provides information on local school districts
Phone: (831) 466-5600
Website: www.santacruzcoe.org

Special Education Local Plan Area

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) Special Education Department/SELPA is responsible for the development, implementation, and facilitation of Special Education and related services for students with disabilities.
Phone: (831)464-5677 or (831) 786-2130
website: Pvusd.net

Special Connections

Serves children age 0 - 36 months old and enrolled in the Early Start program.
Phone: (831) 722-2800
Website: www.spinsc.org

Stars Infant Program

An early intervention program for children from birth to 36 months of age who have disabilities or are at risk of having disabilities.

For information call Stars Infant Program at (844) 700-9889 .

Website: www.starsinfantprogram.com

State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) Silicon Valley/Monterey

Advocacy for children and adults with disabilities.
Phone: (408) 324-2106
Website: www.scdd.ca.gov

Supplemental Security Income Program(SSI)

A federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes).
Phone:(831) 426-8111 or 1-800-521-3385
Website: www.ssa.gov/ssi/

Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Information and referral on resources for blind children.
Phone: (831) 458-9766
Website: www.vistacenter.org

Youth Services

Support and counseling programs for youth ages 12-21 with behavioral and/or drug and alcohol problems. Must be referred by Children's Mental Health Services.
Phone: (831) 425-0771

website: chonline.org

Ability Path (formerly Gatepath and Abilities United)

At AbilityPath, they provide a lifetime of support services for children, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities and their families in the greater Bay Area. Celebrating neurodiversity and empowering individuals with developmental disabilities through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships.
Website: www.abilitypath.org

Recreation Agencies

Camp Krem- Camping Unlimited

Camping Unlimited is a non-profit organization providing children and adults with Special Needs a full program of recreation, education, fun and adventure. Our program encourages independence, nurtures responsibility, develops competence and builds lifelong friendships in a warm supportive atmosphere of planned permissiveness
Website: www.campingunlimited.org

Dancenter

Dance classes for teens and adults with Special Needs
810 A Bay Ave.
Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831) 475-5032
Website: www.dancenter.com

Easter Seals Camp Harmon

Camp Harmon is a residential camp for children and adults with disabilities, ages 8-65. Campers attend 6 or 8 day sessions and participate in nature, farm and garden, arts and crafts, swimming, and many other activities.
16403 HWY 9, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Phone: (831) 338-3383
Website: www.campharmon.org

Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therapeutic Center

Located oceanside in beautiful La Selva Beach, California, our fabulous Equestrian Center offers a year round program for all ages and ability levels, including those with special needs.
783 San Andreas Road, La Selva Beach, CA
(831) 761-1142
info@mbhorsecenter.com
Website: www.gombhtc.org

Music Together

Music and movement for infants, pre-schoolers and their parents
Phone: (831) 462-5195

website: musictogether.com

Ride a Wave

Surfing for individuals with special needs
Website: www.rideawave.org

Shared Adventures

Recreational activities in the community for children and adults with special needs
Phone: (831) 459-7210
Website: www.sharedadventures.com

Via West Campus (formerly Camp Costanoan)

Via West Campus offers year-round day and residential program that gives adults and children, ages 5 and older, with physical and/or developmental disabilities and special needs a chance to learn and grow amid fresh air and scenic surroundings.
Phone: (408) 243-7861
Website: www.viaservices.org

Local School Districts

South Santa Cruz County (Aptos-Watsonville)

Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Address: 294 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: (831) 786-2100

North Santa Cruz County (Soquel-Boulder Creek and Davenport)

Bonny Doon Union Elementary School
Address:1492 Pine Flat Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831)427-2300

Delta Charter
Address:343 Soquel Ave., #44, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: (831)477-5212

Happy Valley Elementary School
Address:3125 Branciforte Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831)429-1456

Live Oak School District
Address:984 Bostwick Ln., Blding 1, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: (831)475-6333

Mountain Elementary School
Address:3042 Old San Jose Road, Soquel, CA 95073
Phone: (831)475-6812

Pacific Collegiate
Address: P.O. Box 1701, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-1701
Phone: (831)4257002

Pacific Elementary School
Address: 50 Ocean, Davenport, CA 95019
Phone: (831) 425-7002

San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District
Address:6134 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018
Phone: (831)335-4732

Santa Cruz City Schools
Address:405 Old San Jose Rd., Soquel, CA 95073
Phone: (831)429-3410

Scotts Valley Unified School District
Address:4444 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Phone: (831)438-2055

Soquel School District
Address:620 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831)464-5630

San Benito County

Aromas-San Juan Unified (K-12)
Phone: (831) 623-4500

Anzar High School
(831) 623-7660

Hollister School District
Phone: (831) 634-2000