A Home Within

A Home Within is a nonprofit mental health organization founded in 1994 that provides free, long-term psychotherapy to current and former foster youth. The organization operates nationwide through a network of volunteer licensed therapists who dedicate their time to supporting the emotional well-being of young people impacted by the foster care system. Their mission centers on the power of consistent, caring relationships as a means of healing from the instability and trauma often experienced in foster care. Over time, A Home Within has expanded into multiple chapters across the United States, building a community that connects clinicians, clients, and advocates for youth mental health.
The organization offers weekly therapy sessions that are open-ended, meaning there is no time limit on care. Each client is matched with a volunteer therapist based on individual needs, location, and personal preferences, with therapy available both in person and through telehealth. While they do not provide crisis intervention, family therapy, or court-mandated reports, they offer a vital space for ongoing, relationship-based healing that is entirely free of charge.
Beyond therapy, A Home Within invests in professional development and community engagement. The organization offers free continuing education opportunities for mental health professionals, emphasizing trauma-informed and foster care–specific approaches. Each local chapter supports volunteer clinicians with supervision, training, and peer consultation. Through this model, A Home Within contributes tens of thousands of hours of pro bono therapy annually, helping bridge the mental health care gap for foster youth while strengthening the field’s capacity to serve this population with compassion.