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New partnership to protect behavioral health care while expanding whole person care.
TrueCare, one of San Diego County’s leading nonprofit community health centers, and Palomar Family Counseling Service (PFCS), a cornerstone of behavioral health support in North San Diego County since 1956, are proud to announce plans to merge operations. The merger, effective September 1, 2026, will sustain and strengthen the vital work of both organizations, ensuring continued access to personalized, compassionate behavioral health services while expanding seamless whole-person care for children, youth, adults, and families throughout North San Diego County and surrounding areas.
“At PFCS, everything we do stems from the fundamental belief that every individual possesses an innate capacity for positive growth,” said PFCS Executive Director Lisa Turner. “For nearly seventy years we have been the constant among the variables — a trusted, open-hearted presence showing up for North County families with respect, empowerment, and unwavering support. This merger with TrueCare allows us to nurture that capacity even more deeply, integrating our specialized counseling and community programs into a broader whole-person care.”
PFCS services in Escondido, Vista, and Fallbrook will continue without interruption under the merger, as will the programs and care provided in 42 local schools. Prevention and early intervention services, school partnerships, counseling and support programs including Dinosaur School will remain intact and be strengthened through this new partnership.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome PFCS to the TrueCare family,” said TrueCare President and CEO Michelle D. Gonzalez. “When organizations with a shared mission, shared values, and deep roots in the community come together, we create new opportunities to improve lives. This merger allows us to build on our collective strengths, preserve access to care for the more than 6,000 individuals and families served by PFCS each year, and expand our ability to deliver integrated whole-person care for generations to come.”
The combined organization will serve 80,000 lives annually, providing access to a full range of health care including primary care, dental care, behavioral health, pediatric, WIC, and other essential services. “Through this merger, even more children and families will have seamless access to comprehensive health care, helping achieve better outcomes and greater overall well-being,” said TrueCare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marie Russell.
PFCS will be making a $100,000 contribution to the Escondido Community Foundation prior to the merger as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation for the seven decades of support the community has provided.
About TrueCare For over 50 years, TrueCare has remained steadfast in its commitment to patients, their families, and its communities. As a nonprofit community health center, TrueCare is dedicated to delivering a superior and compassionate health care experience to nearly 70,000 patients every year, reducing barriers and increasing accessibility to quality care. TrueCare serves its communities in San Diego and Riverside Counties through its 27 health centers and WIC offices, providing primary care, pediatric, women’s health, behavioral health, dental, chiropractic, acupuncture, podiatry, and cardiology services to everyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. In addition, TrueCare offers many other support services such as mobile services, transportation to clinic appointments, insurance enrollment assistance, weekly food distributions, and nutrition programs. For more information, please visit https://truecare.org/.
About Palomar Family Counseling Service Palomar Family Counseling Service has been a pillar of behavioral health support in North County San Diego since 1956. As a nonprofit agency, PFCS is dedicated to strengthening the social and behavioral well-being of children, youth, adults, and families throughout the community. With offices in Escondido, Vista, and Fallbrook and an active presence in approximately 40 North County schools, PFCS provides stable, nurturing environments that foster resilience and positive growth.
PFCS offers personalized behavioral health services both in-clinic and beyond — including prevention and early intervention, specialized children and youth programs, individual counseling, family counseling, couples therapy, and domestic violence support. The organization reaches deep into the community, delivering counseling in schools, child development centers, community centers, and homes. At its core, PFCS nurtures the capacity for positive growth in every client and family served. Learn more at https://palomarfamilycounseling.com.
This release is issued jointly by TrueCare and Palomar Family Counseling Service.
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