Mental Health Services
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is a collaborative project among Alternative Family Services (AFS), Alameda County Social Services Agency, and Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services. The Gathering Place provides a safe, comfortable, family-friendly environment where referred parents and children who have been separated can complete their visits and receive a range of services, including therapeutic, supervised, and observed visits. The Gathering Place is dedicated to preserving family connections during the challenging period of separation. It seeks to eliminate obstacles to visitation while promoting positive family interaction.
The Gathering Place Services and Features
- Three levels of services: Therapeutic, Supervised, and Observed.
- A full kitchen and dining room, allowing parents to cook and eat with their children.
- Age-appropriate visiting rooms for infants, toddlers, teens, and families.
- Meals and snacks are available for families during visits.
- Family access to outdoor walking trails, parks, and play areas.
- Center and Community-based visitation experiences and opportunities.
- Guest Lounge for County Workers with phone, computers, and WiFi access.
- Family Lounge and Library with computer and WiFi access, as well as resource materials.
- Free parking at The Gathering Place.
- Within walking distance of the San Leandro BART Station.
- Within 1/2 mile of food and shopping.
- Limited transportation assistance.
Levels of Services
Therapeutic
- Visits are guided by trained clinicians.
- Children referred for this service must be Alameda County dependents with Full-Scope Medi-Cal and meet eligibility requirements for EPSDT services.
- Therapeutic visits focus on enhancing family functioning, fostering positive parent-child interactions, mitigating the impact of separation, and refining parenting skills.
Supervised
- Supervised visits are managed by trained Support Counselors.
- Some activities may include: direct observation, supportive feedback, and practice of positive parenting skills.
- Individual sessions with parents can be scheduled to debrief, review, and practice parenting skills that are utilized during visits.
Observed
- Observed visits are the least restrictive services offered.
- Support Counselors periodically observe families throughout the visit.
- The Support Counselor is available to collaborate with parents to prepare for visits, provide feedback and guidance, answer questions, and debrief after sessions.
The Gathering Place, San Leandro
777 Davis St, Suite 300, San Leandro, CA 94577
Telephone Number: (510) 746-2800
Fax Number: (510) 746-2810
Hours of Operation
Tuesday – Thursday, 9:00am – 8:00pm
Friday – Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday – Monday, Closed
The Gathering Place Pleasanton
5167 Johnson Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Telephone Number: (925) 474-2154
Fax Number: (925) 474-2156
Hours of Operation
Tuesday – Thursday, 9:00am – 8:00pm
Friday – Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday – Monday, Closed