The YMCA of Greater Long Beach provides mental health services for any participant or member of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach. Services are offered at no additional cost and are designed to support healthy child development and family well-being.
If you are interested in accessing our mental health services, please reach out to your preschool Site Director. They will assist you in submitting a referral and connecting you with the appropriate resources and support. For additional questions, please contact Maria Perez, MFT by email.
SERVICES OFFERED
Individual play therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes play as the primary medium for communication and expression with a child. The therapist creates a secure environment that allows the child to openly explore and communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through play.
Family therapy for preschool-ages children involves a collaborative approach to address the emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges within the family system. Therapist work with the entire family unit, including parents, siblings, and caregivers, to understand and address concerns affecting the child.
Therapy groups provide a collaborative and encouraging space where children can navigate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through play. Play therapy groups may focus on specific themes of topics such as managing emotions, building social skills, coping with transitions, or developing self-esteem.
Therapy focuses on helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children together after separation or divorce. These sessions aim to improve cooperative parenting relationship that prioritize the well-being of the children.
Services may be recommended or sought for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
Behavioral Concerns
Addressing challenging behaviors such as aggression, tantrums, or defiance that may impact the child's learning and social interactions.
Emotional Support
Providing support for emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, or difficulties coping with life transitions.
Social Development
Helping children developmental social skills, establish positive relationships with peers and adults, and navigate social situations effectively.
Family Dynamics
Supporting families through difficult transitions, such as divorce, relocation, or the addition of a new family member.
Trauma and Adversity
Assisting children who have experienced trauma or adversity, such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence.
Parenting Support
Providing guidance and support to parents in managing behavior, promoting positive parent-child interactions, and fostering secure attachment.
Overall, ECE mental health services aim to promote the healthy development and well-being of young children and their families by addressing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and social challenges.
Maria Perez
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Maria Perez is a bilingual Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with over seven years of experience working with children in kindergarten-2nd grade. Her expertise extends to providing support and guidance to parents, with fours years dedicated to offering trainings, workshops, tips and information on various aspects of parenting. Maria is certified in Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) and trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level 1 , and is currently pursuing her certification in Play Therapy , having advanced to phases 2/3. Her comprehensive approach and dedication to both child and family therapy allow her to work will all ages.
Bonnie Bodillo
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Bonnie Badillo is a bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee enrolled in The Chicago School's Master of Arts program in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, has a background in healthcare, and is passionate about wellness and its connection to the mind, body, and soul.
Bonnie is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has completed Level 1 training in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy approach. She believes that a systemic approach provides the best understanding of an individual's experience by considering the relationships they are a part of and the impact those relationships have on their well-being.
Bonnie is committed to reducing the stigma and negative perceptions surrounding mental health within the culturally diverse communities she serves and is a part of.
Denise Cerda
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Denise Cerda is a bilingual, dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee enrolled at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
A key part of Denise’s mission is reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and advocating for a society that embraces and supports individuals’ mental well-being. Her previous experience includes training at a Los Angeles County pediatrics clinic assisting low-income families, training at a senior center, and working as a case manager for adults with developmental disabilities.
Denise is excited and looks forward to serving the children and families of the YMCA of Greater Long Beach.
Therapy Offices
Creative Beginnings Preschool
5600 Linden Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90805
P: 562.422.2616 | F: 562.422.2216
License #198002619
First Friendships Preschool
6650 Orange Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90805
P: 562.984.2358 | F: 562.984.0271
License #198015859
CONFIDENTIAL POLICIES
We prioritize confidentiality in all mental health services. Your privacy is paramount to us. Information disclosed during sessions is kept confidential, and our professionals adhere to strict ethical guidelines and legal requirements to ensure your privacy is respected at all times. If you have any questions regarding our confidentiality practices, please contact Maria Perez.
Disclosure: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Therapy services offered by the YMCA of Greater Long Beach are provided by licensed and qualified professionals. While every effort is made to maintain confidentiality, please be aware that there are legal and ethical limitations to confidentiality, including situations involving a risk of harm to oneself or others, or when mandated reporting is required by law. By participating in therapy services, clients acknowledge their understanding of and agreement to these terms.