Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DOES FAMILY PATHS OFFER?
Family Paths offers a 24/7 Parenting Stress Helpline at 800-829-3777 for support, guidance, and referrals. Our Helpline is the gateway to all our services. Services include mental health treatment, parenting classes, group services, and access to local resources to meet a family's immediate needs.
 

I SOMETIMES GET TO THE POINT I WANT TO HIT MY CHILD TO MAKE THEM BEHAVE. IS THIS COMMON?

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed as a parent. Family Paths' counselors offer helpful strategies for handling discipline and stress. Before losing your temper, call our Parenting Stress Helpline at 800-829-3777. We’re here 24 hours every day to support you through everyday parenting challenges with care and understanding.

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IS MY CALL CONFIDENTIAL?

Calls to our 24/7 Parenting Stress Helpline are confidential; no name or address is needed unless seeking therapy. We never call back without permission. Staff follow HIPAA and are mandated reporters of suspected abuse, as required by California law, ensuring both privacy and child safety.

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HOW MUCH DOES THERAPY COST?

Family Paths offers affordable services based on income, with many free for Alameda County Full-Scope Medi-Cal recipients. Call our Helpline at 800-829-3777 to learn more about eligibility and costs.

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WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MY CHILD?

Each child is unique. After a Helpline referral, we begin a 30-day assessment involving the child and caregiver to determine therapy eligibility. If services aren’t a fit, we offer helpful community referrals. We serve children 3-20 years old.

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I THINK I NEED SERVICES RATHER THAN MY CHILD. WHAT DO YOU HAVE FOR ME?

Our Positive Parenting Classes support all families—expecting parents, caregivers, LGBTQIA+ families, and more—focusing on child development, communication, discipline, and self-care. Classes are on Zoom in English/Spanish. We also offer therapy and trauma support. Call 800-829-3777 to enroll or learn more about our parenting and mental health services.

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CAN I JUST STOP BY YOUR OFFICE TO GET SERVICES?

We do not take walk ins. All first-time assessments are done by phone to understand you or your child’s needs and to find the right services, programs and/or therapist to best support you and your family. Call our Parenting Stress Helpline at 800-829-3777 for support and referrals.

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I AM FEELING OVERWHELMED AND MY CHILDREN ARE STRESSING ME OUT. WHAT CAN I DO?

Parenting is tough, but you’re not alone. Our counselors listen and offer helpful strategies. Call our 24-Hour Parenting Stress Helpline at 800-829-3777 for one-time support or ongoing check-ins. We also provide referrals for therapy or parenting classes if needed.

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I AM CARING FOR A CHILD, BUT I AM NOT THEIR BIOLOGICAL PARENT. CAN YOU HELP ME NAVIGATE ALL THIS?

If you care for and protect a child, you're a parent in our eyes. Our services support grandparents, relatives, foster, adoptive parents, and siblings raising siblings. We’re here to help create safe homes. Call our Helpline at 800-829-3777 for support and resources tailored to your family’s needs.

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