What we do

Life Source Training Institute & Affordable Counseling is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 2008 by Dr. Avis Attaway, LMFT. Dr. Avis began with a handful of graduate student therapists providing a non-profit, low-cost alternative to insurance-based treatment plans. She recognized two things: (1) the demand for more training opportunities in the mental health & counseling fields for local graduate students, and (2) the need for more accessible and affordable counseling services in the Riverside community and surrounding areas. Dr. Avis now serves as Clinical Director and oversees the supervision and treatment planning of all of our therapists in conjunction with our Clinical Supervisors, Guy Balice, Ph.D. and Amanda Barnes, LMFT. 

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In 2019, Austin Attaway, Ph.D. was appointed President and CEO of the clinic. Under his leadership, the clinic has expanded its clinical staff and increased the number of therapy sessions provided to the community by more than fourfold.

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Dr. Attaway has remained committed to the clinic's founding mission of providing accessible, affordable mental health care. By maintaining the clinic's $30 per session fee, clients have benefited from more than 18 years without a fee increase, further ensuring that quality mental health services remain within reach for individuals and families throughout the community.

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He has also strengthened the clinic's training program by expanding educational opportunities for graduate student therapists through regular clinical workshops and partnerships with 16 California universities. These initiatives enhance the training experience for future mental health professionals while improving the quality of care available to clients.

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Today, the clinic continues to focus on expanding access to mental health care and education, particularly for underserved populations and individuals living in mental health deserts, where behavioral health resources are limited or unavailable. Ongoing initiatives also include enhancing graduate training opportunities and strengthening continuity of care to ensure clients receive consistent, high-quality support throughout their treatment journey.