Compassion and Competence: Where Justice Meets Excellence
New Beginnings Counseling Center (NBCC) has been a beacon of support and empowerment for individuals, families, and veterans in Santa Barbara County for over 50 years. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, we stand as a leading provider of mental health counseling, housing assistance, and life-changing resources.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals and families to lead healthy and fulfilling lives through a holistic approach to mental healthcare and support services. We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background, experiences, or abilities.
Our Programs and Services
We offer a diverse range of services to address the unique needs of our community. Our impactful programs include:
1. Counseling Clinic
- Individual, couples, and group counseling
- Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive therapy
- Substance abuse, mental health, and parenting support
2. Safe Parking & Rehousing Program
- Providing safe and secure parking for individuals living in vehicles
- Emergency rehousing and case management services
- Supportive services to stabilize lives and transition individuals into permanent housing
3. Veterans Program
- Specialized services for veterans and their families
- Assistance with housing, employment, and mental health
- Addressing the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families
4. Life Skills & Parenting Education Program
- Equipping individuals with essential life skills
- Parenting education and support groups
- Building self-sufficiency and empowering individuals to reach their full potential
Our Values
Our core values guide us in everything we do:
- Compassion: We treat all clients with empathy, understanding, and respect.
- Equity: We believe in creating a just and equitable society.
- Collaboration: We believe in working together to achieve lasting change.
- Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and values.
Join Us in Changing Lives
New Beginnings is fueled by the generosity of individuals and businesses in our community. Your support allows us to provide vital services to those in need. Get involved today and be a part of something truly special.
Issues with Housing and Counseling
Several reviewers expressed frustration with New Beginnings' handling of housing and counseling services. They reported being referred to homeless shelters, lack of available housing options, and unhelpful caseworkers. Some reviewers also mentioned that the organization did not provide promised support, such as paying security deposits and first month's rent.
Communication Breakdown
Many reviewers complained about the difficulty in getting in touch with New Beginnings staff, including unreturned phone calls, unanswered voicemails, and unhelpful volunteers. Some reviewers felt that the organization did not care about their problems or provide adequate support.
Safety Concerns
One reviewer reported being harassed by male residents in a supposedly all-women's lot, and felt that the organization did not prioritize her safety.
Positive Experiences
On the other hand, some reviewers had positive experiences with New Beginnings, praising the professionalism and affordability of their counseling services. Some reviewers appreciated the organization's support and help in addressing their personal issues.
Staff and Trust Issues
Some reviewers questioned the trustworthiness of New Beginnings staff, including allegations of lying to the VA and misusing funds. Others felt that the organization had a "blacklist" and shared confidential information with other counseling centers.
