Who we are

WHO WE ARE TODAY

From a team of 3 to over 90 mental health professionals

OTTP-NorCal has grown from two occupational therapists and a part-time social worker to a team of over 90 licensed mental health professionals serving more than 1,000 youth and families every year. We have offices in San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento, and our programs operate across more than 100 locations throughout Northern California.

Our team includes licensed occupational therapists specializing in mental health, psychotherapists, social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, united by a commitment to providing personalized care that respects each young person's unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

Prevention & early intervention

Individual & family therapy

School-based mental health support

Therapeutic groups

Workforce development

Employment support

Case management

Aftercare & follow-up support

Our history

How we got here

1940s

Where It All Began

Our umbrella organization, Special Service for Groups, Inc. (SSG), began during World War II as a result of the Los Angeles “zoot suit riots.” SSG's first years offered outreach services to self-identified members of gangs in Los Angeles.

In 1952, after eight years of operating programs for teenagers, Special Service for Groups incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

1975

Inception of OTTP-LA

In 1975, the Occupational Therapy Training Program (OTTP) in Los Angeles was developed by Cindy Paulson, a master's level OT student from USC. Her program focused on teaching youth in the juvenile justice system job readiness and healthy coping skills.

Youth achieved such positive outcomes that the program was embraced under SSG and grew into a full organization. OTTP-LA continues to thrive in Torrance, CA under the direction of Suzanne Afuso-Sugano, MS, OTR/L, serving thousands of youth annually throughout Los Angeles County.

1999

Expansion to San Francisco

OTTP expanded to San Francisco in January 1999 when Colleen Devine, MS, OTR/L transitioned from her role as OTTP-LA's Division Director. The goal was to bring OTTP's unique services and models to underserved youth in San Francisco.

OTTP-NorCal began when Colleen received a grant through TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) issued through the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department. After securing foundation funds Colleen renovated a broom closet at Ida B. Wells High School to create a small office and brought on another part time occupational therapist and social worker to begin providing mental health and vocational services to youth with the highest needs.

Today

OTTP-NorCal Today

What started as three people in a broom closet has grown into a team of over 90 staff members with offices in San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento. Since 1999, we have served over 20,000 children, youth, and young adults across Northern California.

Every session is built around what matters to that young person, with hands-on, engaging activities that feel meaningful to them, not a one-size-fits-all curriculum. That's what we mean when we say we believe in "healing through doing.”