photo courtesy of Maple Counseling Center

West Hollywood Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers, L.A. City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, Beverly Hills Vice Mayor Dr. Sharona Nazarian, BHUSD Board President Dr. Amanda Stern, Beverly Hills Councilman Craig Corman and BHPD Capt. Max Subin helped Maple Counseling Center celebrate the grand opening of its new community mental health clinic on La Cienega Boulevard with a ribbon tying ceremony on June 9.  

“With all the chaos, division and uncertainty around us, it’s more important than ever to acknowledge and talk about things. It’s OK to not be OK,” Nazarian said. “We need the tools and guidance to navigate, and who better than the Maple Counseling Center to provide those skills.” 

The ribbon tying ceremony, a symbolic gesture representing a united commitment to community and mental wellness, included Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Homelessness and Community Health Dr. Etsmaye Agonafer, and Amanda Laflen, field deputy for Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey Horvath, 3rd District. Maple Counseling Center CEO Varina Bleil expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. 

“Our ribbon-tying event served as a unifying force within the community as we celebrated the opening of our new clinic,” Bleil said. “We’re thrilled to further extend access to quality mental health care to all Angelenos through our new facility.” 

The new clinic, located at 1945 S. La Cienega Blvd., includes the innovative Briskin-Wilder Welcome Center, providing free personalized guidance from licensed practitioners. The center ensures that all people receive mental health care. Supported by philanthropist Judy Briskin and her son, Rex Wilder, chair of Maple Counseling Center’s Board of Directors, the BWWC has served more than 3,000 individuals since its inception in 2022. 

“The Maple Center renovated location is such a breath of fresh air. I loved the Adolescent Room and the well-stocked library and welcome center. The message of ‘you are not alone’ comes through very brightly to every visitor,” added Dr. Amanda Stern, president of the Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education. 

For information, visit maple4counseling.org/programs-and-services/briskin-wilder-welcome-center.