Child & Family Center has received a $100,000 grant from the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich to fund the development of a new program for psychological testing.

Antonovich Chief of staff Kathryn Barger and field representative Rosalind Wayman presented the gift to the Center’s Board of Directors at their August meeting.

“The supervisor has been a great supporter of the Center for over thirty years. He is pleased to present this gift that will help the youth in the Santa Clarita Valley,” Barger said.

Over the next 12 months, Child & Family Center will use the grant to develop a Psychological Testing Program, which will not only enhance services for current clients, but will also allow the expansion of  services to the broader Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding communities.  The specialized service uses advanced tools and procedures to assess a person’s unique traits, characteristics and strengths.

For psychotherapists and other mental health professionals, this service can play an essential role in determining the most effective treatment strategy, especially in cases that involve very complex disorders, impairments and needs.  It can also have many other beneficial applications, such as helping gifted and highly talented individuals identify optimal opportunities and pathways for enrichment and development.

“We are excited to create this unique and invaluable resource and service for our community,” said Victor Chavira, Child & Family’s executive vice president of programs.

Child & Family Center provides mental health and behavioral intervention services for children, teens, adults and their families. Since 1976, the Center has helped thousands of people overcome various issues. Last year alone, hundreds of local children and adults received treatment for depression, anger, anxiety, abuse, thoughts of suicide, and drug and alcohol addictions among other disorders. In addition, thousands more were reached through community outreach, consultation and educational programs.