At every stage of life, the right support can make a meaningful difference. For a young child struggling to manage emotions and behavior, early intervention can open the door to learning and a more successful start in school. For an adult navigating mental health challenges, the right care can create a path toward greater stability and independence.
This fall, Help Group is expanding that support with two new Department of Mental Health (DMH)-funded Day Treatment Intensive (DTI) programs: Hopeful Beginnings in Van Nuys and Hopeful Pathways in Palmdale. Together, the programs extend intensive, individualized behavioral health services to people at very different stages of life, from children as young as 2½ to adults up to age 64.
“Across Los Angeles County, we continue to see a tremendous need for accessible, intensive behavioral health support,” said Dr. Susan Berman, President & CEO of Help Group. “Our partnership with the Department of Mental Health allows us to bring specialized care into communities where it can make a meaningful difference, helping children, adults, and families get the level of support they need.”
Hopeful Beginnings: Building Strong Foundations Early
Located on our Van Nuys campus, Hopeful Beginnings provides early intervention for children ages 2½ to 5 experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, neurological, or psychological challenges.
For some young children, challenges with behavior or emotional regulation can make it difficult to participate successfully in a typical preschool setting. Hopeful Beginnings gives them a place designed specifically for their needs, with small class sizes, a high staff-to-student ratio, and a structured therapeutic day.
In this nurturing environment, children develop skills to better regulate their emotions, interact with others, and participate more successfully at school and at home. The program also offers adjunctive group therapies and psychiatric services when appropriate.
Just as importantly, families are part of the process. Parents and caregivers actively participate in treatment so that progress made in the program can carry into a child’s everyday life.
Hopeful Pathways: Creating a Path Toward Stability and Independence
In the Antelope Valley, Hopeful Pathways brings intensive behavioral health services to Transition Age Youth ages 18 to 25 and adults ages 26 to 64 located in Palmdale.
Hopeful Pathways is designed for people who need more than traditional outpatient support. The program provides a structured therapeutic setting where participants can address mental health needs while developing skills for greater stability and long-term success.
“At its heart, Hopeful Pathways is about helping people move forward. We’re addressing immediate mental health needs while helping participants strengthen healthy coping skills, build greater independence, and take a more active role in their lives and communities,” said Tamara Mandel, Vice President of Clinical, Residential, & Adult Services.
More Support at More Stages of Life
Hopeful Beginnings and Hopeful Pathways serve people at very different moments in their lives, but they share a common purpose. Whether that means helping a young child participate more successfully in the classroom or supporting an adult in building greater stability and independence, these new programs expand Help Group’s ability to provide specialized behavioral health care to individuals and families across Los Angeles County.
October 16, 2026
Skirball Cultural Center