The Gooden Center

Work has been underway since 2022 to make major improvements at Hochman House, one of The Gooden Center’s six-bed mental health facilities. The interior was repainted, main bathroom remodeled and gym and workspace upgraded; and this summer, the historic exterior will be repainted — all made possible through generous funding from the Ann Peppers Foundation of Pasadena.

Built in 1927, it is first and foremost a home, albeit a temporary one, and a place of healing.

The Gooden Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1962, offers residential inpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, outpatient care and transitional housing. Call us today, if you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use disorders (626) 356-0078.

Meet Kim! As the director of one of our two female residential mental health programs, Kim works tirelessly to guide clients through their treatment journey with compassion and extensive knowledge. Whether it's through individual therapy sessions or educating clients about Dialectical Behavior Therapy, her expertise has positively impacted countless lives. Kim's dedication to her work and her ability to connect with clients on a personal level make her an invaluable part of our team. Thank you, Kim, for all you do for the Gooden Center.

Please join us in celebrating John, our Team Member of the Month for May. Thank you John for all you do for the Gooden Center!! 🌟

Gooden Stories: Vol 1

Meet Mike! For the past 13 years, Mike has been a pillar of guidance and support for countless clients and their families, navigating them through the treatment process with unwavering dedication. His sense of humor is only surpassed by his immense kindness, creating an atmosphere where clients and their families feel comfortable and understood. Mike’s ability to ease anxieties and foster trust allows everyone to confront the challenges of treatment with confidence. Thank you, Mike, for embodying the spirit of the Gooden Center and keeping it vibrant and thriving!

Meet Chris! With his years of experience, he's a master of contract negotiations and insurance reimbursement rates. Chris is one of the powerhouses behind our expanding partnerships with healthcare providers and other key players, driving our mission forward. His knack for financial and data analysis allows us to maximize the benfits we receive from insurance companies. Thanks to Chris, we grow stronger every day!

Meet Josh! With 13 years of dedicated service at the Gooden Center, Josh has taken on various roles, each contributing to his extensive expertise. In his current position as the Director of Utilization Review, he tirelessly advocates for our clients, ensuring they receive the maximum treatment time authorized by insurance. Thank you, Josh, for your unwavering commitment to securing the care our clients deserve!

The third annual Older Americans Month celebration highlighting resources for older adults was held yesterday in Pasadena, California, and The Gooden Center was honored to be a participant. Substance use is rising among seniors, but many are reluctant to seek treatment. The Gooden Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1962, offers residential inpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, outpatient care and transitional housing. Call us today, if you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use disorders (626) 356-0078.

Meet Greg! As the Program Director of our residential substance abuse program, Greg oversees the flagship program that has been the cornerstone of the Gooden Center for over 60 years. With his empathy and expertise, Greg guides men from the depths of addiction to healthier and more meaningful lives on a daily basis. Thank you Greg for all that you do to continue the Gooden Center's 62 year legacy!

Meet Karly! As the newest member of our clinical team, she brings a fresh perspective and energy to everything she does. She’s an amazing team player, incredibly knowledgeable, and shows a tremendous amount of compassion and care to all our clients. We can’t wait to see the positive impact she’ll make with us. Welcome aboard, Karly!

Meet Matt! As the Director of Admissions he is the cornerstone of our admissions team. With compassion and expertise, Matt supports clients and their families in navigating the often daunting world of finding the right treatment. His dedication ensures that every individual receives the care and guidance they need to begin their journey toward healing. Thank you, Matt, for being a beacon of hope and a source of strength for so many!

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Champions of Hope,

We at The Gooden Center find ourselves reflecting on the overwhelming surge of support we experienced at the Spin Against Stigma event, the kind that warms hearts and renews faith in the power of community.

To every soul who attended, every pedal that spun in unison, and every breath taken in the pursuit of a stigma-free tomorrow, we say a deep and resounding thank you. You did not just attend an event; you propelled a movement. You have helped spread an imperative message of hope and understanding throughout our community and beyond.

A heartfelt shoutout goes to Jeannine Coulter, our "Spin Guru" who not only led the ride with unwavering enthusiasm but also shared her beacon of light with us all. Jeannine, your contribution extends far beyond the physical boundaries of the Spin Against Stigma event. You have inspired many and provided an embracing space for conversations that can change lives.

We extend our gratitude to CycleBar San Elijo Hills for providing a venue that became the birthplace of change and hope. Your open doors created the perfect backdrop for our cause, blending physical health with mental vitality.

Our event was further illuminated by the gracious coverage from ABC 10 News and NBC 7 News. Your stories amplified our voice, helping to echo the message of Mental Health Awareness across various platforms and reach hearts that we might not have touched alone.

To the Choice Juicery, your nourishing contributions provided the sustenance that our bodies needed to keep the wheels spinning towards progress. We are grateful for your delicious and healthy offerings that refueled our spirits.

And to the Carlsbad High Broadcast Students, the future looks brighter because of young advocates like you. Thank you for capturing every moment, for engaging with our cause, and for showing us that the torch of awareness will be carried forth for generations to come.

As we continue to dismantle the barriers of stigma and embrace the beauty of healing and support, we carry each of your efforts, stories, and contributions with us. The Gooden Center has been strengthened by your generosity, and through your support, our mission endures - to offer life-changing treatments and support to those facing mental health challenges.

In unity, we have not only met our fundraising goal but also reaffirmed our commitment to those we serve. Your involvement has ensured that our 60-year legacy thrives and that our doors remain open to anyone in need.

From our family to yours, thank you ❤

Meet Candace! Being the Lead Program Technician and managing 30+ direct service providers is not for the faint of heart, but Candace does it with passion and an unwavering commitment to the Gooden Center's mission and spirit. Her dedication is unmatched—juggling schedules, ensuring smooth operations, and keeping everyone on task while somehow never breaking a sweat. Thank you Candace, for your relentless commitment and the ability to keep things running like clockwork even when life throws in a few hiccups. We couldn't do it without you!

Meet Greg! As the Program Director of our residential mental health program in La Crescenta, Greg brings his clinical knowledge and compassion to guide clients through treatment. His infectious passion for Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a tremendous gift for his clients, who benefit from his expertise and unwavering support.

Meet Norbert! Our resident therapy dog Norbert is a regular visitor to our programs and both our clients and staff can never get enough of her, and look forward to her every visit. Whether giving a cuddle or playing wither her toys, she brings a positive energy whereever she goes. ❤️

Every month, the Gooden Center honors one of the Program Technicians from our mental health department, acknowledging their dedication and hard work that supports our mission. This month, we're celebrating Akshay! Thank you, Akshay, for all that you do!

Meet Mike! He's one of our exceptional counselors. He dedicates himself to supporting our clients, particularly in the substance use disorder outpatient program. His wisdom, kindness, and gentle nature have helped countless individuals achieve lasting sobriety and a brighter future. Thank you, Mike, for your unwavering commitment to the Gooden Center and its mission!

Call us today, if you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use disorders (626) 356-0078. The Gooden Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in Pasadena, California, in 1962, offers residential inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care, and transitional housing for mental health and substance use disorders.

Meet Jessica! Jessica is our amazing Outpatient Coordinator. From looking after our transitional living program to offering the warmest welcomes to our outpatient clients, she's a true superstar! 💫 Her commitment to providing a supportive environment for everyone entering our program is truly admirable. Thank you, Jessica, for all that you do to make a positive impact on our clients' journeys to wellness. You're simply amazing!

Meet Kyle!

As our Operations Manager, Kyle ensures seamless operations by arranging transportation, coordinating meal deliveries, and supervising our program assistants at our substance use disorder program. Additionally, as an alum, Kyle serves as a testament to the possibilities achievable through sobriety and effective treatment. Thank you Kyle for everything you do for the Gooden Center and it's clients!

Meet Vanessa, the Director of the Gooden Center's mental health outpatient programs! Gooden Center Fun Fact: Vanessa began her work at the Gooden Center as an intern while working towards her Masters Degree. If you are looking for support, come and meet the amazing clinicians like Vanessa in our outpatient program.

Meet Todd! Gooden Center Fun Fact: Todd is also the voice of the Gooden Center's automated phone system! Give us a call at 800-931-9884 if you are seeking treatment or just to hear Todd's dulcet tones. Thank you Todd for all you do for the Gooden Center and it's clients!

For more than 60 years, the Gooden Center has been a beacon of hope, thanks to our incredible team who've devoted years to nurturing and supporting our clients. In the next few days and weeks, we're excited to spotlight our staff members and celebrate the selfless contributions they make to enhance the lives of others. Stay tuned to our posts, and if you recognize anyone or want to thank someone who has been a part of your journey, please give them a shoutout in the comments! 🌟

A recent grant from the Pasadena Community Foundation went towards the purchase an automobile at our flagship facility, the Bishop Gooden Home. The vehicle is used to transport clients to outside appointments and deliver meals to our other residential facilities.

The Bishop Gooden Home is located on a quiet, tree-lined street in a historic section of Pasadena. It is one of six residential facilities. Like the others, it is first and foremost a home, albeit a temporary one, and a place of healing. The beautifully restored homes and cottages, all but one located in Pasadena, provide men and women with a sense of home and belonging.

We offer residential inpatient treatment for substance abuse and mental health, with step-downs in the level of care for each.

Our goal is not only lasting sobriety and a state of mental, physical and emotional stability but a client interwoven with and contributing to the social fabric. We help the men and women who come to The Gooden Center gain the tools, relationships and frame of mind that we see as necessary conditions for a lifetime of health and wellness.

The Gooden Center very much appreciates the support of the Pasadena Community Foundation and our other community partners.

Collaboration is the essence of life. The wind, bees and flowers work together, to spread the pollen. – Amit Ray

Happy Hump Day !! The Gooden Center is staying active in the behavioral health community this week ❤

Big thanks to Marcus McNeil (former player 6 seasons with San Diego Chargers) for your inspirational words. And thank you for being a light to former teamates suffering from opiod addiction. Thank you Project Recovery for an amazing event.

For over 60 years, The Gooden Center in Pasadena, California, has offered a refuge for those overcoming substance abuse and managing mental health conditions. Established in 1962 as a non-profit, it has grown to offer a range of services, including residential treatment, outpatient care, and transitional housing in Pasadena's historic districts.

Call us today, if you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use disorders (626) 356-0078 or visit goodencenter.org.

A new gymnasium fosters new attitudes and habits around self-care, turns the mind away from negative or intrusive thoughts, and imparts a sense of empowerment and self-worth.

At The Gooden Center’s Los Robles women’s residence, plans for an up-to-date, clean, safe and welcoming exercise facility were realized last fall, thanks to a grant from the Lucile Horton Howe & Mitchell B. Howe Foundation of Pasadena.

The Los Robles house — one of our six-bed mental health residential facilities — provides inpatient treatment for a variety of psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, depression and anxiety).

Located on a tree-lined street in a historic section of Pasadena, it is first and foremost a home, albeit a temporary one, and a place of healing.

Founded in 1962, The Gooden Center, provides residential inpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, with step-downs in the level of care for each: partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care and transitional housing for those requiring additional time to adjust to life after treatment.

Our goal is not only lasting sobriety and a state of mental, physical and emotional stability, but a patient interwoven with and contributing to the social fabric. We help the men and women who come to the Gooden Center gain the tools, relationships and frame of mind that we see as necessary conditions of a lifetime of health and wellness.