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Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC) for a parenting plan - an appointment of one to two hours; its forms (the Formal Request for Separate Mediation, MSC-FL-035 Request for Separate CCRC Session, MSC-FL-036 Child Custody Recommending Counseling); the answer to How do I attend CCRC? - appointments and child interviews in person at the Ogletree Jr. Courthouse, 2260 N. Street, the parties reporting to the second floor, in the lobby outside courtroom 7, arriving 15- to 20 minutes before the appointment, an appointment canceled if a party does not arrive within 20 minutes past its time (the parties then directed to the further hearing, where rescheduling can be requested); contact information updated before the appointment; the orientation watched and the Confidential Information form mailed at least one (1) week before; the agreement, or the Recommendation and the Rationale; the page's Important Information that all parents appear remotely by telephone or video conference, contacted one business day before and on the day, and its Spanish instructions for remote mediation; the online orientation required of all parents before the custody hearing; supervised visitation - the Guide for Non-Professional Providers, and the Declaration of Supervised Visitation Provider (Nonprofessional) filed with the Family Law Clerk's Office; and the lists of private providers the court publishes without endorsement (supervised visits and exchanges, parenting and co-parenting, anger management and domestic violence, alcohol and drug assessment, counseling, drug testing, the Merced Superior Court Private Evaluator List, and the Merced Superior Court Mental Health Evaluator List) with the Custody Evaluation Scope Form, the Counselor/Therapist Progress Report, and the Supervised Visitation Report.
California > Fifth Appellate District > Merced County > Superior Court of California, County of Merced
Family Court Services Division The Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Family Court Services Department provides Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC), (mediation) for families to assist in developing a parenting plan. The Child Custody Recommending staff are skilled professionals in the mental health field with a great deal of experience with children. In this process, families work together with an experienced counselor toward the goal of reaching an agreement regarding a parenting plan for their children. A parenting plan includes a general or specific schedule of days, times, weekends, holidays, vacations, counseling, and treatment services. The appointment may last one to two hours in total. Currently, all child custody recommending counseling sessions are completed by a telephone or video conference on a date scheduled by the Court. Videos Orientation to Family Court Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling Orientación a la Mediación de la Corte de Familia y Consejería de Recomendación de Custodia de Menores Forms Formal Request for Separate Mediation MSC-FL-035 Request for Separate CCRC Session MSC-FL-036 Child Custody Recommending Counseling Child Recommending Counseling (CCRC) Mediation CCRC Mediation Information Family Court Services How do I attend CCRC? All Child Custody Recommending Counseling (meditation) appointments for parties and child interviews are conducted in person at the Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Ogletree Jr. Courthouse, 2260 N. Street, Merced, CA 95340. Parties will need to report to the second floor, in the lobby area outside of courtroom 7 and the Family Law Division. How do I update my contact information with the Court? If you need to update your telephone number, email, or mailing address with the Court, you must do so prior to your scheduled appointment. You can update this information by calling the Family Law Clerk’s office at (209)725-4117. How long will CCRC take? It is recommended that all parties arrive 15- to 20 minutes prior to your scheduled CCRC appointment. All parties scheduled for mediation will be contacted in the lobby area by your CCRC (mediator). If you do not arrive within 20 minutes past your scheduled CCRC time, your appointment will be canceled, and parties will be directed to attend the scheduled further hearing with the Judge. At the hearing with the Judge, you can request that the court reschedule your CCRC appointment. Do I need to do anything before my CCRC appointment? There are 2 things you must do before your appointment. Each parent shall watch the orientation to Child Custody Recommending Counseling, Orientation, before their appointment date. Please open the hyperlink listed below to the Orientation to Family Court Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling. Orientation to Family Court Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling Each parent shall complete and return the Confidential Information form for Child Custody Recommending Counseling that is listed below. Each parent is responsible for printing out the form and mailing it to the following address: Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Family Law Division, 627 W. 21st Street, Merced CA, 95340. It is recommended that you do this at least one (1) week before your scheduled appointment to allow ample time for the form to be received by the Court. What happens at the end of CCRC? When parents are able to reach an agreement, the Child Custody Recommending Counselor will prepare a written agreement and review it with both parents. The agreement will then be signed by the Judge and the agreement then becomes a Court Order. When the parents are unable to reach an agreement the Child Custody Recommending Counselor will prepare a form called a Recommendation for a proposed parenting plan. The Child Custody Recommending Counselor will also prepare a form called a Rationale that explains the reason the proposed parenting plan is recommended. The Recommendation and the Rationale will then be mailed to the parents. The recommendation from the CCRC will be considered by the Judge. The parents will be able to respond to the Recommendation. The Judge will then determine if the Recommendation will become a Court Order and/or modify the Recommendation. Who do I call if I have questions? If you have any questions regarding the process for CCRC, please call the Family Law Clerk’s Office (209)725-4117. If you have questions regarding how to file your documents or how to serve the other party, please call the Self-Help Center at (209)725-4168 or by email at selfhelp@mercedcourt.org. Additional Online Resources Families Change: A guide to separation and divorce. Changeville: Helping children with parental divorce or separation. Needs of Children of Different Ages: Provides help in developing a parenting plan for children of different ages. \ Domestic Violence and Children: If there has been Domestic violence in your family, here is important information about a law that may apply. Servicios del Juzgado Familiar El Tribunal Superior de California, Condado de Merced, Unidad de Servicios del Juzgado Familiar, provee el servicio de Consejería (Mediación) Recomendada correspondiente a la Tutela de Menores (CCRC), para ayudar a las familias a desarrollar un régimen de crianza. El Tribunal actualmente está programando la comparecencia a distancia para los padres cuando se ordena judicialmente dicha Consejería en una fecha específica a través de videoconferencia o por teléfono. ¿Cómo asisto a Mediación (CCRC)? No se presente en el Tribunal Superior de Merced en la fecha de su cita próxima para la Medicación (CCRC). Debe asegurarse que el Tribunal tenga su actual número de teléfono, correo electrónico y domicilio postal. El Consejero o Consejera quien provea la Recomendación correspondiente a la Tutela de Menores se comunicará con usted. ¿Cómo actualizo mi información de Contacto con el Tribunal? Si necesita actualizar su número de teléfono, correo electrónico, o domicilio postal con el Tribunal, debe actualizarlo antes de su cita próxima. Puede actualizar esta información al llamar a la Oficina de Actuario en lo Familiar al (209) 725-4117. ¿Cuál es el estimado tiempo de duración de Mediación (CCRC)? Aunque su documentación indique que su cita es a las 8:45am, debe dejar un margen para estar disponible entre las 8:15 am y 12 pm. Se programan múltiples causas a la misma hora así que usted tendrá que esperar a que se convoque la suya. ¿Qué necesitaré para mi cita de Mediación (CCRC)? Hay 2 cosas que debe hacer antes de su cita. Cada uno de los padres deberá observar el video de Orientación de Medicación (CCRC) antes de la fecha de su cita. Favor de abrir el hiperenlace que aparece a continuación para observar la Orientación de Mediación (CCRC) en el Derecho de lo Familiar. Cada uno de los padres deberá completar y regresar el formulario de Información Confidencial para Mediación (CCRC) que aparece a continuación. Es la responsabilidad de cada uno de los padres imprimir el formulario y enviarlo por correo al domicilio indicado a continuación: Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Family Law Division, 627 W. 21st Street, Merced CA, 95340. Es recomendable que usted haga esto por lo menos una (1) semana antes de su cita, para permitir que su formulario sea recibido con suficiente tiempo por el Tribunal. ¿Cómo funciona Mediación (CCRC) a distancia? Los padres recibirán una llamada telefónica un (1) día hábil antes de su cita. Durante esta llamada, se le indicará una hora más específica de su cita de Mediación (CCRC). También se le proporcionará información acerca de cómo se comunicarán con usted, ya sea por correo electrónico o por teléfono. Por favor tenga presente que, si es por teléfono, la llamada aparecerá como número OCULTO o PRIVADO. El personal de Mediación (CCRC) no le llamará del número de teléfono general. El día de la cita de Mediación (CCRC), el Consejero o Consejera quien provea el servicio de Mediación (CCRC) se comunicará por teléfono con cada uno de los padres entre las 8:15 am y 9:00 am para verificar la asistencia de ambos por videoconferencia o teléfono. ¿Qué sucede al final de Mediación (CCRC)? Cuando los padres logran llegar a un acuerdo, el Consejero o Consejera quien provea la Recomendación correspondiente a la Tutela de Menores prepara un convenio escrito y lo repasa con ambos padres. El convenio entonces lo firma la Juez y ese convenio se convierte en Orden Judicial. Cuando los padres no logran llegar a un acuerdo, el Consejero o Consejera quien provea la Recomendación correspondiente a la Tutela de Menores prepara un formulario titulado Recomendación de un Propuesto Régimen de Visita y Tutela. El Consejero o Consejera quien provea dicha Recomendación también prepara un formulario titulado Razonamiento cual explica las razones por las cuales se recomienda ese régimen de crianza. La Recomendación y Razonamiento entonces se enviarán por correo a ambos padres. La Juez tomará en consideración la recomendación de Mediación (CCRC). Los padres tendrán la oportunidad de responder a la Recomendación. La Juez entonces determinará si la Recomendación se convertirá en una Orden Judicial y/o modificará la Recomendación. ¿Con quién me comunico si tengo preguntas? Si usted tiene preguntas acerca del procedimiento de Mediación (CCRC), favor de comunicarse con la Oficina de Actuario en lo Familiar al (209) 725-4117. Si usted tiene preguntas acerca de cómo radicar sus documentos o cómo hacer entrega de notificación a la otra parte, favor de hablar al Centro de Ayuda al (209) 725-4168 o por correo electrónico a selfhelp@mercedcourt.org. REGLAS DE MEDIACIÓN (CCRC) A DISTANCIA Se prohíbe expresamente toda clase de grabación de las diligencias de mediación ya sea videoconferencia o llamada telefónica, incluidos, sin carácter exhaustivo, copias o grabaciones de audio. El incumplimiento de estas reglas podría resultar en que la Juez imponga sanciones. Los padres deben comparecer para la videoconferencia o llamada telefónica desde un lugar privado con mínima interferencia. Es su responsabilidad asegurarse que a usted se le pueda escuchar claramente y que usted pueda escuchar claramente a los demás. No se permite la presencia de menores ni terceros durante la Mediación (CCRC). La Unidad de Servicios del Juzgado Familiar tiene presente que las escuelas están impartiendo la enseñanza a distancia y que existe la posibilidad que los menores estén en casa. Si es posible, los padres deben tener a alguien para ayudar con el cuidado de los menores. El interés superior de los menores es no ser expuestos a conflicto. Los padres deben ser corteses y seguir las indicaciones del consejero o consejera. No se toleran las obscenidades ni el lenguaje vulgar. Todo documento o evidencia que usted desee presentar debe radicarse con el Tribunal y darse entrega de notificación a la otra parte previo a su cita. ***Si usted no cumple con estas reglas, de inmediato el consejero o consejera dará por concluida la sesión de consejería y usted deberá presentarse ante la Juez.*** Recursos Adicionales en Internet Families Change: Guía de Separación y Divorcio. Changeville: Guía de Separación y Divorcio para Niños. Necesidades de Niños de Distintas Edades: Provee ayuda para desarrollar un plan de custodia para niños de distintas edades. Custodia de los Hijos en Casos de Violencia en el Hogar: Si hubo violencia en el hogar, en el hiperenlace a continuación encontrará información importante sobre una ley que podría aplicar en su caso: Important Information All parents will appear remotely for Court ordered Child Custody Recommending Counseling through a telephone or video conference call. You will be contacted one business day before your scheduled appointment and on the day of your appointment to confirm the exact time. Please note that you may receive a telephone call from a phone number that is blocked, private, or an out-of-state area code and number. Orientation All parents are required by the Court to complete an orientation session before their hearing date for custody issues. The orientation session is offered online. The online orientation has information that is important. Topics include the effects of divorce on children, child sharing, communication, confidentiality, and parenting plans. This can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the link in the side panel of this page. In-county and out-of-county residents must complete the orientation. General Information Before participating in a scheduled Child Custody Recommending Counseling appointment, please review the documents listed below that will provide a description of the Family Court Services process. You will also need to watch the orientation video, Orientation to Family Court Mediation and Child Custody Recommending Counseling. This video describes the importance of parents participating in developing a parenting plan and what occurs during the Child Custody Recommending Counseling appointment. Complete the Confidential Information for Child Custody Recommending Counseling form, Informacion Confidencial De Mediacion En La Recomendacion De Custodia De Menores, and mail it to the Merced Superior Court, Family Law Division at 627 W. 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340 at least one (1) week before your scheduled appointment. If you would like each party to meet with the Family Law Court Services (FCS) Child Custody Recommending Counselor separately and at separate times, please fill out the Request for Separate Child Custody Recommending Counseling form. Supervised Visitation Information A Guide for Non-Professional Providers Supervising a visitation is an important job to supervise a parent's visit with his or her child. The Guide for Non-Professional Providers answers common questions about being a provider of supervised visitation. All Non-Professional Providers must complete a Declaration of Supervised Visitation Provider (Nonprofessional). The Declaration of Supervised Visitation Provider (Nonprofessional) must be completed by the person providing the supervised visitation. Please file the Declaration of Supervised Visitation Provider with the Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Family Law Clerk's Office. Related Links Current Child and Custody Parenting Information Family Law Locations & Contact Info Filing Fees Forms & Filing CONTACT INFORMATION Ogletree Jr. Courthouse 2260 N Street Merced, CA 95340 Tel: (209) 725-4117 Fax: (209) 725-4118 Calendar Desk: (209) 725-4155 Additional Resources Supervised Visits and Exchange Facilities The following is a list of Supervised Visits and Exchange facilities in the general Merced County or adjacent area. Please provide the agency with a copy of your Court Order. This list will be amended and updated at such time as the Court deems appropriate. Please note that these agencies are not governed or controlled by the Merced County Superior Court. These are private agencies or therapists who act independently from the Court organization. Mary Midge Eck, Supervised Visitation Center 50 East Alpine Drive Merced, CA 95340 Office: (209) 772-8062 Email: 50alpinedrive@gmail.com Languages: English and Spanish Fees: Orientation - $50.00 per adult (by appointment only) Supervised Visits - $50.00 per hour for one child and an additional $15.00 per hour for each additional child. Sliding scale. Supervised Exchanges - $50.00 Reports - $50.00 Lisa Parker, Executive Director Native Solutions, Family Guidance Center Locations in Mariposa and Oakhurst, CA 5112 Buillion Street Mariposa CA 95338 (209) 742-5095 49269 Golden Oak Drive Oakhurst CA 93644 (559) 683-5095 Fees: Orientation- $60.00 per adult Supervised visits-$45.00 per hour for one child and $5.00 per each additional child. Off-Site Visits: $60.00 per hour, $5.00 for each additional child. Zoom Visits: $60.00 per hour for one child and $5.00 for each additional child. Supervised Exchange-$25.00 for each parent per each exchange. Central Valley Visitation Solutions Professional Visitation Monitor PO Box 62 Los Banos, CA 93635 Ofc: (209) 509-7431 Languages: English and Spanish Email: centralvalleymonitor@gmail.com Fees: Orientation- $50.00 per adult Supervised Visits- $60.00 per hour for one child and an additional $10.00 per hour for each additional child. Supervised Exchanges-$50.00 per exchange Reports- $75.00 fee All services are only provided in the Los Banos area. Heather C. Tackitt, B.A., J.D., Owner CoreTSolutions Locations in Madera and Fresno, CA 300 Almond Ste. 108A Madera CA 93637 2350 W. Shaw Ste. 130 Fresno CA 93711 (559) 400-5425 Fax (559) 354-0188 Fees: Supervised visits-$80.00 per hour for one child and $15.00 for each additional child. $130.00 for a two-hour visit for one child and $15.00 for each additional child. Zoom Visits-$35.00 for 45-minute visits, no limit on the number of children. Supervised Exchange-$25.00 per exchange Supervised visitation is now taking place in the City of Merced. Visits occurring at public locations. Exchanges taking place at the Merced Police Department. Parenting and Co-Parenting Service Providers The following is a list of parenting and co-parenting service providers in the general Merced County or adjacent area. Please provide the agency with a copy of your Court Order. This list will be amended and updated at such time as the Court deems appropriate. Please note that these agencies are not governed or controlled by the Merced County Superior Court. These are private agencies or therapists who act independently from the Court organization. Please contact the service providers regarding the fees charged. The counseling services shall be provided by a licensed psychologist, LSCW, LMFT, or an Associate under the licensed supervision of a licensed provider. Some of the parenting and co-parenting classes are offered by unlicensed professional providers. Suzanne Marson, LMFT 200 Broadway, Suite “D” Turlock, CA 95380 (209) 485-1022 Parenting and co-parenting counseling services Trent Tilby, LMFT 250 W. Main Street Turlock, CA 95380 (209) 605-9280 Parenting classes and co-parenting counseling/classes Kim Underwood, LMFT 420 Downey Ave Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 380-4183 Parenting and co-parenting counseling Kelli King, LMFT 2937 Veneman Ave. Suite A117 Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 527-1185 David Lopez, LMFT 1400 Mitchell Road, Suite 10 Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 626-8118 Spanish language services available. Accepts Medi-Cal parenting and parenting counseling. Matthew Bovenkerk, LMFT P.O. Box 412 Waterford, CA 95386 Cell: (209) 602-1144 Email: mbovenkerk@sbcglobal.net Co-parenting and parenting counseling The Online Parenting Programs https://ca.onlineparentingprograms.com/ 12 session On-line Parenting Skills (Thrive) Classes Parents may select from classes specializing in parents with children in the age groups of 0-5 years old, 5-13 years old, or 13-18 years old. 1 2 sessions - High-Conflict Co-Parenting classes 12 sessions - Co-Parenting Classes The parents are directed to log into the website: https://ca.onlineparentingprograms.com and enter the free code provided by the court. Please ask the Court or CCRC for the free discount code number. If you have a difficult time logging into the program, please email the support team or call the support team at the phone number listed below. support@OnlineParentingPrograms.com or call: (866)504-2883 All Dad’s Matter, Resource Center Lamar Henderson, Program Coordinator 3376 North Highway 59, Suite D Merced, CA 95348 (209) 385-7521 Merced HSA, Satellite Office 415 “F” Street Los Banos, CA (209) 385-7521 *Spanish language services available. Parenting classes and support group. Merced County Office of Education Family Resource Council 1573 West Main Street Merced CA Nurturing Parenting Classes (209) 710-6262 (209) 710-6269 Positive Discipline Classes (209) 381-5980 (209) 381-5983 No cost for the classes offered. Valley Crisis Center 545 “J” Street Los Banos, CA 93635 (209)725-7900 Parenting classes. Services are provided in English and Spanish languages Emily Bernard, MA Educate, Facilitate and Coach PsyD candidate Before and After Baby 50 East Alpine Drive Merced CA (209) 631-8511 Co-parenting and parenting classes via Zoom/inperson. Dr. Diana Elizabeth DeVilliers, Ph.D. Email all documents PO Box 4482 Modesto, CA 95352 Ofc: (209) 425-2729 Email: ddevilliersphd@gmail.com Spanish speaking service available. Heather Grammatico, Ph.D., Certified Mediator Parenting and Co-Parenting Education (760) 500-9689 Monday-Friday 9AM to 5PM and weekends heathergrammatico@hotmail.com www.solutionslifecoachingllc.com Parenting and Co-Parenting Programs/Classes The following is a list of parenting and co-parenting services that provide classes in-person or via the internet in Merced County or the adjacent area. Please provide the agency with a copy of your Court Order. This list will be amended and updated at such times as the Court deems appropriate. Please note that these agencies are not governed or controlled by the Superior Court of California, County of Merced. These are organizations that act independently of the Court organization. Please contact the service providers regarding the fees charged. California Courts the Judicial Branch of California Parenting After Separation (PAS) Families Change, Guide to Separation and Divorce Internet-Based Class: https://pas.familieschange.ca.gov/ Register for the six sections and complete each course within each section. Certificate of Completion will be issued. This program is free. (Services offered in Spanish) Online Parenting Programs.com Internet Based Class: www.OnlineParentingPrograms.com “Co-Parenting/High conflict and Parenting Online” Classes in Parenting and Co-Parenting (866) 504-2883 Fresno Family Counseling Center Parenting & Co-Parenting (8 weeks) Nurturing Parenting (14 weeks) Internet Based Class: Tele Health 5151 N. Palm Ste. 200 Fresno, CA 93704 3720 N. First St. Fresno, CA 93703 (559) 229-3085 Reduce cost on a sliding scale (Services offered in Spanish) Reduced cost with fee waiver provided by the Online Parenting Program (Services offered in Spanish) Merced County Office of Education Family Resource Center 1640 N. St. Suite 120 Merced CA 95324 (209) 381-5980 www.mcoe.org Internet Based Classes Positive Discipline/Nurturing ParentSubstance Use Treatment and Recovery (NP SUT&R Parents) Classes 17 Weeks Positive Discipline (8 weeks) Caring for Children Who have Experienced Trauma (8 weeks) There is no cost to attend this service, parents must provide a copy of the Court Order to attend classes for free. (Services offered in Spanish) Merced County Human Services Agency All Dad’s Matter, Resource Center Lamar Henderson, Program Director 3376 N. Highway 59, Suite D Merced, CA 95348 Parenting classes and support group. 415 “F” Street Los Banos, CA (209) 385-7521 alldadsmatter@countyofmerced.com (Services offered in Spanish) Merced County Human Services Agency All Moms Matter Program 1920 Customer Way Atwater, CA 95301 (209) 385-3000, extension 5944 Boot Camp for New Moms: 3-hour class for new mothers and all mothers needing to attend a basic caring for infant class. Classes are held twice per month on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4:30PM. Participants will receive a diaper bag fully supplies and a certificate to receive a car seat for $25.00. ACE Overcomers 661 Fairfield Drive Merced, CA 95348 (209) 626-5446 (209) 600-2028 Carrie@aceovercomers.org WWW.ACEOVERCOMERS.ORG Parenting: Building Healthy Life Skills: 12- week course. 2 hours per week. Addressing cycle of trauma, abuse and neglect, and tools to improve positive parenting. Creating Successful Families: 8-hour course, 4 hours per day. Nurturing parenting skills. Parenting with a Purpose: 52-week program, 2 hours per week. Impact trauma has on parenting and nurturing parenting techniques. Guidance in accessing community resources, emergency resources, and mental health referrals. (*Services offered in Spanish) Internet Base Class Fees provided on a sliding scale or free if the parents fees were waived by the Court. Parents required to provide a copy of the Court order. CoreTSolutions Internet Based Classes: Zoom Main Office: 2350 W. Shaw Ave #130 Fresno, CA 93711 (559) 400-5425 Spanish services (559) 330-7435 110 N. D Street Madera CA (Services offered in Spanish) Reduced cost on a sliding scale Parenting/Co-Parenting Class (12 hours) Nurturing Parenting Co-Parenting - For High conflict families Co-Parenting - for families impacted by Substance Abuse Co-Parenting - for families impacted by Mental Health issues Co-Parenting - with Anger management component - for families impacted by Domestic Violence - must attend separately. Co-Parenting - how to best co-parent children who are Autistic. (*) Cost Assistance available Positive Nurturing and Online Parenting Programs has funding that covers some service costs for families that qualify. Call the agency at the numbers listed above to see if you qualify for this program. Anger Management and Domestic Violence Classes/Counseling and Assessment Service Providers The following is a list of anger management and domestic violence counseling/classes and assessment service providers in the general Merced County or adjacent area. Please provide the agency with a copy of your Court Order. This list will be amended and updated at such time as the Court deems appropriate. Please note that these agencies are not governed or controlled by the Merced County Superior Court. These are private agencies or therapists who act independently from the Court organization. Please contact the service providers regarding the fees charged. Streets2Schools, Inc. Address: 3987 Missouri Flat Road, Suite 340-332 Placerville, CA 95667 Phone: (916) 629-3045 Text: (916) 432-2782 intake@streets2schools.com or messages@street2schools.com Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service Providers The following is a list of alcohol and drug assessment service providers in the general Merced County or adjacent area. Please provide the agency with a copy of your Court Order. This list will be amended and updated at such time as the Court deems appropriate. Please note that these agencies are not governed or controlled by the Merced County Superior Court. These are private agencies or therapists who act independently from the Court organization. Please contact the service providers regarding the fees charged. James Hurley, LMFT 1025 12th Street, Suite 12 Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 765-9971 Brett Green, LMFT and Associates Address: 410 Main Street, Suite C Merced, CA, 95340 Phone: (209) 726-1200 Individual/Group Counseling Service Providers The following is a list of counseling service providers in the general Merced County or the adjacent area. Please provide the agency with a copy of your Court Order. This list will be amended and updated at such time as the Court deems appropriate. Please note that these agencies are not governed or controlled by the Merced County Superior Court. These are private agencies or therapists who act independently from the Court organization. Please contact the service providers regarding the fees charged. The counseling services shall be provided by a licensed psychologist, LSCW, LMFT, or an Associate under the supervision of a licensed provider. Cristina Alcantar, LMFT Modesto, CA 95354 Ofc: (209) 345-3089 Fax: (209) 250-0556 Spanish language services available. Individual counseling, therapeutic supervised visitation services, group counseling, and co-parenting counseling. Crystal Barrera, LCSW 615 13th Street, Suite B Modesto, CA 95354 Ofc: (209) 606-3886 Spanish language services available. Accepts Medi-Cal Individual and group counseling services provided. Socorro Saavedra, LCSW Family Behavioral Health 50 East Alpine Drive Merced, CA Ofc: (209) 455-1604 (209) 722-8062 Spanish language services available. Individual counseling and group counseling services are provided. Specialized services regarding children’s trauma. Accepts Medi-Cal. Matthew Bovenkerk, LMFT P.O. Box 412 Waterford, CA 95386 Cell: (209) 602-1144 Email: mbovenkerk@sbcglobal.net Individual, group counseling, and co-parenting counseling David Lopez, LMFT 1400 Mitchell Road Modesto, CA 95354 Ceres, CA (209) 626-8118 Spanish language services available. Accepts Medi-Cal Individual and group counseling provided. Angelica Limon, LMFT North Star Wellness Center 6051 N. Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93710 Ofc: (559) 447-9668 Spanish language services available. Accepts MediCal. Conducts MDIC and CFIT for law enforcement investigations. Children’s trauma, CBT, parenting, co-parenting, couples counseling, and individual and group counseling services are provided. Trent Tilby, LMFT 250 W. Main Street 0Turlock, CA 95380 Ofc: (209) 605-9280 Co-parenting classes and co-parenting counseling. VMS Family Counseling Services Victoria Smith-Sanders, LMFT, CEO 2350 W. Shaw, Suite 116 Fresno, CA 93711 (559) 573-4194 Email: vmscounselingservices@gmail.com Individual, family, couples, children’s trauma, and counseling services for law enforcement families. Amy Lipomi, LMFT 420 Downey Ave. Modesto, CA 95354 Ofc: (209) 765-3200 Email: amy.lipomi@gmail.com Individual and group counseling provided Kim Underwood, LMFT 420 Downey Ave. Modesto, CA 95354 Ofc: (209) 380-4183 Individual and group counseling provided. Dr. Diana Elizabeth DeVilliers, Ph.D. PO Box 4482 Modesto, CA 95935 Ofc: (209) 425-2729 Email: ddevilliersphd@gmail.com Spanish-speaking service available Sierra Vista Child and Family Services 1030 15th Street Modesto, CA Ofc: (209) 524-6371 Supervised visitation Individual Counseling Providing Court ordered Anger management/DV group counseling. All Dad’s Matter, Resource Center 3376 North Highway 59, Suite D Merced CA 95348 (209) 385-7521 Merced HAS, Satellite Office 415 “F” Street Los Banos, CA (209) 385-7521 Spanish language services available. Parenting classes, individual and group counseling, focused on single fathers. Merced County Behavioral Health, BHRS The Center: Adult Outpatient & Intensive Outpatient 1471 “B” Street, Suite L-O Livingston, CA 95334 (209) 394-4032 In person, telephone, and tele-health, individual counseling, and limited groups. Valley Crisis Center 1960 “P” Street Merced, CA 95340 (209) 725-7900 Group counseling is provided via telephone and in person. Courageous Kids Group Services are provided in English and Spanish languages. Kelli King, LMFT 2937 Veneman Ave. Suite A117 Modesto, CA 95356 (209) 527-1185 Suzanne Marson, LMFT 200 Broadway, Suite “D” Turlock, CA 95380 Ofc: (209) 485-1022 Individual Counseling services are provided. Merced County Behavioral Health, BHRS Northside Counseling Youth & Adult Outpatient & Intensive Outpatient 1471 “B” Street, Suite L-O Livingston, CA 95334 (209) 394-4032 In person, telephone, and tele-health, individual counseling, and limited groups Drug Testing and Collections Facilities The following is a list of Drug Testing and Collection sites in Merced, Stanislaus County, and in the surrounding areas. Please provide the agency with a copy of your Court Order. Please note that these agencies are not governed or controlled by the Merced County Superior Court. These agencies are private and act independently from the Court Organization. Please contact the service providers regarding the fees charged. Olivewood Occupational Health Center Address: 374 West Olive, Suite A Merced, CA, 95348 Phone: (209) 205-1001 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM-11 AM, 1 PM to 4 PM Fees: Urine, 10 panel test: $60 Hair Follicle, 5 panel test: $100 Hair Follicle, 7 panel test: $225 Results available within 24 to 72 hours Contact: Nycole Gray Pinnacle Health Care Address: 285 Mercey Springs Road, Unit A Los Banos, CA, 93635 Phone: (209) 829-0444 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-6 PM Fee: Urine: $55, Hair Follicle: $110 Quest Diagnostics Address: 1524 McHenry Ave., Suite 120 Modesto, CA, 95350 Phone: (209) 575-4559 Hours: M-F, 10 AM to 2 PM Fees: Urine:100, Hair Follicle: Cost unknown. Address: 3377 G Street, Ste A Merced, CA, 95340 Phone: (209) 325-9377 Hours: M-F, 8 AM to 3 PM, Sat., 7 AM to 12 PM Fees: Urine: $100, Hair Follicle: Cost unknown Sierra Vista Child, Adult & Community Services Address: 1030 15th Street Modesto, CA, 95354 Phone: (209) 524-6371 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 AM-5 PM Fees: Urine: Not provided, Hair Follicle: $110. AA Pre-Employment Center, Drug & Alcohol Testing Address: 1064 Woodland Ave, Suite “F” Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 523-3784 Fax: (209) 523-3784 Email: SandraPreEmCtr@aol.com Hours: M, W, F 9:30 AM-12 PM, and 2 PM to 6 PM Tuesday 9:30-1 PM, Thursday, and weekends by appt only. Fees: Urine 10 Panel: $80, Hair Follicle: $100 CoreTSolutions Address: 2350 W. Shaw, #130 Fresno CA 93711 Email: CoreTsolutionsEnroll@yahaoo.com Phone: (559) 400-5425 Languages: English & Spanish Hours: M-F, 9 AM-6 PM Fees: Intake: $25, Urine: $65, Hair Follicle: $115 Drug Testing Center Address: 5612 N. Blackstone Ave. Fresno CA 93710 Email: dtc@fresnodrugtesting.com Phone: (559) 440-1991 Languages: English, Spanish, Laos, Swedish French Hours: M-F, 9 AM-5 PM Fees: Urine: $65, Hair Follicle $115 Valley Workplace Compliance and Training Address: 744 P Street, Ste 313 (third floor) Fresno, CA 93721 Email: dominic@valleyworkforcect.com Phone: (559) 358-2513 Language: English & Spanish Hours: M-F 9-5, after hours and weekends upon request Fees: Urine: $65, Hair Follicle: $115 Xpress Drug Testing Address: 2350 W. Shaw Ave., #125 Fresno, CA 93711 Email: xdt@xpressdrugtesting.com Phone: (559) 369-7371 (559) 540-0077 Language: English Hours: M-F 9 AM-4:30 PM, weekends, and on call Fees: Urine: $65, Hair Follicle: $120 Merced Superior Court Private Evaluator List The following is a list of qualified Custody Evaluators in the general Merced area. Parents may utilize Evaluators that are not included on this list. Please refer to the California Rules of Code 5.225 regarding requirements for custody evaluators. Please contact the individual Evaluator regarding the current fees for services and his/her office policies. Dr. Diana DeVilliers, Ph.D. Spanish-speaking service available Ofc: (209) 425-2729 Email: ddevilliersphd@gmail.com Dr. Nancy Brison-Moll, LMFT, PhD 965 E. Yosemite Ave., Ste 12 Manteca, CA 95336 Ofc: (209) 483-4498 Dr. Susan Napalitano, Ph.D. 5151 N. Palm, Suite 980 Fresno, CA 93704 Ofc: (559) 435-2006 Fax: (559) 435-2008 Email: office@snphd.com David Lopez, LMFT 3600k Road, Ste. 5A-16 Modesto, CA 95351 Ofc: (209) 629-8118 Email: davidlmft@yahoo.com Yvette Allivato, LMFT 121 W. Main Street, Suite G Turlock, CA 95380 Ofc: (209) 648-9661 Email: yvettelmfft@gmail.com Melissa Hale, LMFT 3425 Coffee Road, Suite 1A Modesto, CA 95355 Ofc: (209) 567-2259 Email: www.heale.me Merced Superior Court Mental Health Evaluator List The following is a list of qualified mental health evaluators in the general Merced area. Parents may utilize mental health evaluators who are licensed psychologist, psychiatrist that are not included on this list. Please provide the agency with a copy of your Court Order. This list will be amended and updated at such time as the Court deems appropriate. Please note that these agencies are not governed or controlled by the Superior Court of California, Merced County. These are private agencies, nonprofit health facilities or doctors that act independently from the Court organization. Please contact the individual Evaluator regarding the current fees for services and his/her office policies. Dr. Gagandeep Popli, Psychiatrist Castle Family Health Center 3605 Hospital Road, Suite H Atwater, CA, 95301 (209) 358-8425 Michael Zimmerman, Ph.D. 642 Pollasky Ave., Suite 210 Clovis, CA 93612 (559) 298-5368 (559) 298-5378 (fax) Fees: $700.00, additional fees may apply Martin Blinder, MD 50 Idalia Road San Anselmo, CA 94960 (415) 454-0928 drmartinblinder@yahoo.com Office Visit: $1,800, appointment in Merced County: $3,500, Report Cost: $250-$350.00 K&L Clinical Forensic Practice 3447 W. Shaw Ave., Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93711 (415) 737-9593 Fax: KandLClinical@gmail.com Fees: $1,500.00 Custody Evaluation Scope Form Merced County Superior Family Law Court: Custody Evaluation Scope Form Counselor/Therapist Progress Report Form Merced Superior Court: Counselor/Therapist Progress Report Professional Supervised Visitation Report Form Merced Superior Court: Supervised Visitation Report External Providers Central California Alliance for Health of California, Carelon Behavioral Health For the most current information, please visit Find a Provider | Carelon Behavioral Health of California. The Court does not recommend, validate, or endorse any providers listed.
Family Court Services Division The Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Family Court Services Department provides Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC), (mediation) for families to assist in developing a parenting plan. The Child Custody Recommending staff are skilled professionals in the mental health field with a great deal of experience with children. In this process, families
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-10-15 (California T4 Merced build 2026-10-15) from BenchPath custody ca/t4/ca-merced/pages/divisions__child-custody-family-court-services.html (the page as fetched 2026-10-15; 675395 bytes, sha256 77cdd631961413aa0440036d212ed7439ac98b834249bb44998e8147ffb6c471) with the Orange HTML composer (compose-site.py, the Judicial Council theme's area): the article's content sections (section.jcc-section), news bodies (div.jcc-news-full) and title banners (div.jcc-hero; the first banner's heading, the page title, is chrome) - the site header, menus, breadcrumb and footer lie outside them; each block starts a line and each table cell is set on its own line; chrome removed: 1 item (the page title, “Child Custody (Family Court Services)”); proof (the multiset of non-space characters equals the containers' text less chrome and scripts) passes. The page's text carries one backslash, typed into its HTML after the parenting plan entry's “children of different ages.”; the packet writes it with chr(92), so the card's text keeps it as the page prints it. Review note: The page states CCRC attendance three ways: “Currently, all child custody recommending counseling sessions are completed by a telephone or video conference on a date scheduled by the Court”; “All Child Custody Recommending Counseling (meditation) appointments for parties and child interviews are conducted in person at the Superior Court of California, County of Merced, Ogletree Jr. Courthouse”; and, under its Important Information, “All parents will appear remotely for Court ordered Child Custody Recommending Counseling through a telephone or video conference call”. Standing Order #2026-2 (carded), effective September 14, 2026, holds the appointments in person at the Charles James Ogletree Jr. Courthouse and ends the reminder call the page still describes - the review task asks the court which statement governs. Rule 410(A)(5) (carded with Rules 400 to 419) has the CCRC Form submitted with the moving papers; the page has the Confidential Information form mailed at least one (1) week before the appointment. The page's lists of private providers are the court's, published without endorsement; the summary names none.
1 verbatim mandatory provision from 13-16-s.
2 verbatim mandatory provisions from 15-41-s.
43 verbatim mandatory provisions from 07-33-s.