and values of Vista Del Mar.
The history of Vista Del Mar is a story of evolution: from the first cottage-style orphanage in Southern California to an innovative leader in educational, mental health, autism, adoptions and early intervention services. As the needs of our community have changed, Vista Del Mar has always met those challenges with compassion and cutting edge treatment programs.
Since 1908 we’ve watched Los Angeles grow up around us and the needs of the children and families we serve grow more complex. But one thing hasn’t changed: we’re still here to help.
Vista Del Mar is constantly evolving to design and deliver high impact, comprehensive pathways of care that create new levels of healing and hope for children and families. Through powerful, compassionate relationships, combined with clinically rigorous systems that support growth for both clients and staff alike, we shift trauma into resilience – helping every child and family break barriers, reimagine their futures, and transform their lives and the lives of those they touch, no matter their background.
Driven by compassion, Vista Del Mar courageously anticipates and innovates pathways of care that forever transform the lives of children and families who need it most.
Vista Del Mar is guided by core principles of empowerment, fairness, and excellence.
- Compassionate Commitment –
Because progress requires both open hearts and unshakable resolve. - Foresight –
Because we must anticipate tomorrow’s challenges and evolve to meet them today. - Relentless Evolution –
Because we are always creating new ways to serve those who need us most, resulting in an unparalleled breadth and depth of services. - Excellence with Purpose –
Because our expertise matters most when it changes lives.
At Vista Del Mar, our strength comes from the people we serve and work alongside—our staff, families, residents, and clients. We are dedicated to uplifting underrepresented and historically excluded communities, standing together for fairness and human dignity while confronting deeply rooted injustices. We recognize that we are part of a flawed system and are committed to challenging harmful structures and addressing the unconscious biases that impact everyone in our care. Vista is devoted to fostering an environment centered on healing, mutual support, and genuine connection. We believe meaningful change is demonstrated through consistent, intentional action.
Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. Our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and our graduate degree program is recognized around the world for the high quality of its instruction.
