Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services

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Los Angeles, CA
Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services

Supporting the children and families of Los Angeles since 1908. www.vistadelmar.org

Vista Del Mar is a community of fully integrated services for children facing emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges and for families seeking solutions. We offer a range of exceptional programs in education, mental health, autism, adoption, residential care, prevention and early intervention that are nurturing and accessible. We are founded upon Jewish core values expressed through goo

d deeds and human kindness. Our goal is to provide children and families with the tools and opportunities on which to build strong foundations for personal growth and lasting relationships.

04/30/2026

Introducing our newest playground, specially designed for . 🛝☀️

This sensory-friendly space gives children a private, peaceful place to explore, play, and develop pro-social skills.

For the families we serve, having a safe and welcoming space like this on our campus means so much more than a place to play.

Thank you to the George Hoag Family Foundation for helping make this possible!

04/28/2026

Moments like these from the 2026 Arts & Literacy Festival are a reminder that accessible mental health care is always within reach for our LA community.

Each year, this beloved event brings families across Santa Monica and LA together for a day of learning, play, and community connection, giving parents the tools they need to help TK and Kindergarten-aged children build essential early literacy skills.

Our Mental Health Division, Family Service of Santa Monica is always there for our community with the resources and support families need to thrive.

04/27/2026

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month where we recognizes the importance of communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Our dedicated team at Vista Village (a division of VDM) has worked tirelessly to preventively curb instances of abuse by providing families and childcare providers with the support and education they need to create the best environment for the children they care for.

04/23/2026

In late April of 2023, Vista CEO Lena Wilson was recognized by Vistage Worldwide, Inc. () with a prestigious Impact Award which honors trailblazing leaders across the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses.

This achievement highlighted Lena’s continuous commitment on cultivating best leadership and management practices.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! Today we’re grateful for three learning resources that have served as invaluable connection points for Vista Students and Residents including Katia’s Garden, The Peace Love & Happiness Garden, and Jenn’s Orchard.

Jenn’s Orchard, a touching tribute from the Weiss family, is a cherished part of our growing community.

For both students and Vista residents, learning how to grow and harvest through these resources has helped cultivate a deep connection to the planet and what it means to truly care for it.

Thank you and and the Weiss family for your continued support.

04/21/2026

From academic stress to social pressures, today’s youth face challenges unique to their generation. Vista Del Mar and its two mental health divisions (Outpatient Services and Family Service of Santa Monica) are dedicated to providing youth and their families with the tools and support they need to thrive. Below are a few tips they’ve shared to help teens moderate everyday stressors.

1️⃣Eat and hydrate- Healthy snacks like almonds are great between meals.

2️⃣Sleep- It fuels your brain. Teens should get 8-10 hours a night.

3️⃣Breaks - Take them. Sometimes you need to just “be” instead of “do” in order to focus on the present moment.

4️⃣Breathe- Try to inhale slowly for two counts, hold for two counts, exhale for six counts, hold for two, and repeat.

5️⃣Reach out - Talk to a friend, a trusted adult, or a counselor if you need to vent or get help.

04/17/2026

Looking back through the historical catalogue of Vista Del Mar’s rich history, we find that not every lesson was learned from a textbook. One of Vista’s many vocational programs, this auto repair class was generously funded by Mike Miller, owner of Mike Miller Toyota in Culver City. Kids who came through the program were often hired straight into the Miller Toyota repair shop.

04/16/2026

In October of 2024, Vista Autism Center’s Clinical Workshop brought together experts from The Early Anxiety Group, Berlin, and Vista Autism Center to explore autism as a unique psychic mode and deepen our understanding of neurodiversity across the lifespan.

Clinical Director Joshua Durbin’s insight continues to guide our work: “Everything the child with autism does is a code. A code that we must decipher to understand the child’s inner world.”

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re excited to announce a new clinician training program launching soon from the Vista Autism Center — designed to equip mental health professionals with deeper understanding and practical approaches rooted in Josh’s expertise. More details coming soon.

04/15/2026

Art opens up the door for a student’s authentic self to spill onto the canvas, unfiltered and fully received.

Honored to showcase both the creative process and completed works as Vista students present their experiences reflected onto the canvas.

Thanks to our partnership with The Art of Elysium students continue to channel their creativity at these workshops and share their unique voices through the healing medium of art.

04/14/2026

Stress Awareness Month, highlighted this April, provides all of us a chance to identify stressors as well as find tools to address them. Shared by our very own Health and Safety committee this helpful guide can help us all address stressors as they come up. Thank you to Resilient People Ltd for creating this helpful infographic.

04/13/2026

Our mental health division, Family Services Santa Monica is heading back to the City of Santa Monica Arts & Literacy Festival, and we can’t wait.

On Saturday, April 25, Virginia Avenue Park will come alive for the 12th Annual Arts & Literacy Festival, “A Day on the Farm.” From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can expect hands-on learning, storytelling, and play designed to help young children build the skills they need for TK and Kindergarten, all free of charge.

Our mental health specialists from Family Service of Santa Monica will be there, ready to connect with the community. Stop by our table to learn more about how we support emotional wellbeing for children and families across Santa Monica.

04/08/2026

This Autism Acceptance Month, we’re honored to share Elijah’s story, told in his mom Desiree Asher’s own words. Elijah’s story highlights their family’s journey of finding his voice through the services provided at the Vista Autism Center. Thank you so much to the Asher family for trusting us with their story.

When Elijah first started the program at six, communication was really difficult for him, both expressing himself and understanding others. Over the past two years, the growth we’ve seen has been incredible. His speech has improved so much, but even more meaningful is his ability to communicate his feelings and needs. He’s become more aware of his emotions, and more recently, he has begun to understand that other people have their own thoughts and feelings as well, which has been especially moving to witness.

As a parent, there were moments early on when I worried about how he would connect with the world. Seeing him now, more confident, more expressive, and more aware, means everything to me. I’m so grateful for the care, patience, and support he’s received. It’s made a lasting difference not just for Elijah, but for our whole family.
— Desiree Asher, Elijah’s mom

Address

3200 Motor Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
90034

Telephone

+13108361223

Website

https://vistadelmar.org/2022/11/givingtuesday-2022/

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Mary Kay Cocharo, MFT
11500 W. Olympic, Suite 614

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