SoCal Youth Center of Orange County is an Upscale, Doctor-Owned IOP in Costa Mesa.
The SoCal Youth Center of Orange County Difference
Small groups run by doctors. At SoCal Youth Center of Orange County, group therapy sessions have 5 kids or fewer. This small, intimate setting means that every child gets far more attention here than at other centers. Many of our groups are run by doctors (Sayeh Beheshti, MD or Lauren Armstrong, PsyD). Our doctors know every child and every parent personally.
The “doctor-owned” difference. SoCal Youth Center of Orange County is owned by a medical doctor, a highly trained psychiatrist. Come and experience the “doctor-owned” difference. You’ll have doctor access every day you’re here.
Our luxurious office includes over 5000 square feet of fun stuff for kids, therapy offices, group rooms, and doctor offices. In between sessions, kids have access to a fully stocked snack area, games, puzzles, arts and crafts, foosball, velcro darts, blankets, couches, and musical instruments.
We get great results! At SoCal Youth Center of Orange County, we treat patients with moderate to severe mental illness. If your child is coming off a psychiatric hospitalization or a suicide attempt, please call us first. We are not afraid of acute cases, and we can get your child healthy again without you having to ship them out of town to a residential facility. If you want your child to stay home and attend school while recovering from a crisis, call SoCal Youth Center of Orange County.
About SoCal Youth Center of Orange County
SoCal Youth Center of Orange County is owned and operated by Dr. Sayeh Beheshti. Dr. Beheshti has many years of experience specializing in treating a wide range of behavioral and developmental disorders commonly seen in teenagers.
At SoCal Youth Center of Orange County, we focus on creating a safe, nurturing space to help children, adolescents, and their families. Our center specializes in providing children and teens with a range of mental health services in a way that is minimally disruptive to their daily lives.
We are committed to empowering kids to live full, happy lives by treating all underlying mental health issues. We treat patient between the ages of 8-19 struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem and body image disorders, and a range of other mental health and developmental disorders.
Our goal is to enhance the everyday lives of teens and their families through our quality clinical care and comprehensive range of services, all in a welcoming, family-like environment.
Our Team
Dr. Sayeh Beheshti
Doctor Beheshti is a medical doctor and psychiatrist with previous experience at the
UCI Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center. Dr. Beheshti has a philosophy of treating each patient as an individual with unique needs and circumstances. She firmly believes the best way to formulate an ideal treatment modality for adolescents is through establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with them and their parents, and understanding their needs within the context of their biological, psychological, and spiritual makeup as well as the environmental and social context in which they live in.
Dr. Lauren Armstrong
Dr. Lauren is a highly passionate licensed clinical psychologist with a PsyD from Pepperdine University, and has been working with children and adolescents for the past ten years. She is an expert in working with the most challenging psychological presentations such as trauma, self harm, mood dysregulation, aggression, and other unsafe or maladaptive coping mechanisms. Dr. Lauren always believes in her patients, even when everyone else has stopped believing in them. She never loses hope, and tirelessly works with patients and their families on improving their relationships, coping skills, and positive change.
Dr. Nikki Nguyen
Dr. Nikki is a medical doctor and board-certified psychiatrist who is pursuing specialization working with children and adolescents at the University of California, Irvine. Born and raised in southern California and a child of Vietnamese immigrants, Dr. Nikki is passionate about exploring how cultural background intertwines with mental health and bridging the communication between children and their families. She firmly believes in the importance of combining therapy and lifestyle changes alongside medications, when necessary, to address each child’s unique needs.
Dr. Lauren Schooner
Lauren Schooner, MD is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at the University of California, Irvine. She was born and raised in Cypress, California in Orange County and completed her undergraduate degree at UCLA in Neuroscience and Anthropology. She then completed her medical degree at USC Keck School of Medicine and her general Psychiatry Residency at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. She is especially passionate about working with the underserved population with a special interest in trauma-informed care, working in the realm of child abuse and human trafficking. She also loves to enjoy her time at the beach with her friends and family, as well as cycling, running, swimming and all things outdoors.
Jannette Vu Le
Jannette is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, concentrating in Operations & Supply Chain Management. Her diverse educational background includes multiple Associate Degrees in fields such as Accounting, Economics, Liberal Arts, Science & Math, and Social & Behavioral Science. With a strong passion for learning and resourcefulness, Jannette enjoys developing creative solutions and efficient methods to improve work processes.
Doug Jewell
Zoe Tambling
Patrick Bryant
Patrick is a personable and friendly therapist with almost a decade of working with children and adolescents in varying capacities. He is a graduate of California Baptist University with a double masters covering counseling psychology and spirituality. He currently is registered as an associate marriage and family therapist and an associate professional clinical counselor. Patrick has a heart for engaging and uplifting adolescents, helping them to gain the tools to increase self agency, learn life skills, manage dysregulating emotions, and cope with stressful situations with positive responses. He is a firm believer in supporting people to understand that they are the essential ingredient to a healthier future.
Paulina Agyei
Paulina received an honors degree in Sociology from Baylor University and a master’s in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University. She holds a deep passion for assisting distressed youth in difficult periods of their lives. From incarcerated individuals in Denpasar and Syrian refugees in Hamtramck to oppressed indigenous youth in Guatemala, Paulina takes a holistic approach in her treatment. She is an expert with alternative subcultures and is enthusiastic about identity formation and spirituality. In her personal time Paulina can be found doing comedic writing, playing one of her four instruments, or trying new foods.
Hazel Halvorson
Hazel’s journey into working with children and adolescents began during her time at UC Merced, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology. It didn’t take long for her to realize that her passion lies in helping people grow and thrive. Her goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels included, valued, and motivated. She truly believes that a positive atmosphere is essential to both individual and team success. Outside of work, she loves unwinding with a good movie or taking her dog for a long walk.
Crystal Hicks-Webb
Crystal has worked with children and adolescents for 10 years in diverse settings, including
schools, therapeutic environments, and community organizations. Crystal has experience
working with children who have developmental and physical disabilities. She has a passion for
equity and inclusion for all children. Her compassionate approach to advocacy empowers
children to thrive in challenging circumstances. Crystal uses her expertise to promote
awareness and support for children’s mental health and well-being.
Crystal received her education from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Child and Adolescent Studies. During her undergraduate studies, Crystal
participated in two study abroad programs where she gained cultural competency, discovered
unique child rearing practices, and societal challenges in Spain and Costa Rica. Crystal is
currently in a Master of Social Work program at Arizona State University. After completing her
degree, Crystal hopes to work as a psychiatric social worker. In her free time, Crystal enjoys
going to concerts, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Chelsea Publico
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Clients Testimonial
Payment Options
SoCal Youth Center of Orange County offers various payment options to help families get easy access to life saving treatment.
Health Insurance
We accept PPO insurance from Blue Shield of California, United, Cigna, Aetna, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. There are some smaller plans we also accept, so if your insurance is not listed, please give us a call to check. We do not accept Medi-CAL.
Cash Pay
SoCal Youth Center of Orange County accepts checks and credit cards to make your payment easy. Payment will be processed once a month, at the beginning of each treatment episode.
High Deductible?
If your insurance plan has a high deductible, call us and we can arrange a payment schedule that is reasonable and will not cause a financial hardship.