About CHC
Children’s Health Council (CHC) is a nonprofit based in Palo Alto, California. For over 70 years, CHC has been helping children, teens, and young adults navigate the ups and downs of learning differences and mental health challenges.
Whether it’s ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, or something you can’t quite name yet, CHC brings together experts who listen, collaborate, and create a plan that’s just right for for each client who comes through our doors. We meet families where they are—with compassion, expertise, and a belief that every young person has the potential to thrive.
Our Vision
We believe in a world where every child, teen, and young adult can reach their full promise and potential.
Our Mission
To transform young lives by providing culturally-responsive, best-in-class services for learning differences and mental health to families from diverse backgrounds, regardless of language, location, or ability to pay.
Our Values
Expertise
Striving for, recognizing, and sharing excellence in everything we do, while acknowledging that building expertise is an ongoing journey and not a destination.
Compassion
Combining empathy and action to gain trust, create connections, and make lasting change.
Community
Collaborating, supporting each other, and working with local partners to leverage strengths for mutual benefit and collective impact.
Inclusion
Building a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Inspired by Dr. King’s Beloved Community, we believe belonging is essential to how we work and care.
Our Founder
Esther B. Clark
CHC was founded in 1953 by Dr. Esther B. Clark, one of the first female pediatricians to practice on the Peninsula. She started Children’s Health Council with a $10,000 annual budget, a largely volunteer staff, and most importantly, her spirited will.
Dr. Clark’s Vision
Dr. Clark dreamed of a place where every child could thrive—a welcoming space where families could find support, hope, and expert care. She envisioned a center where kids come first, services are integrated, and families feel respected and heard in their own language. It would be a place to help children build resilience, develop social-emotional skills, and reach their full potential. With strong leadership, compassionate staff, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors, that dream became a reality—Children’s Health Council.
Our Founder
Esther B. Clark
CHC was founded in 1953 by Dr. Esther B. Clark, one of the first female pediatricians to practice on the Peninsula. She started Children’s Health Council with a $10,000 annual budget, a largely volunteer staff, and most importantly, her spirited will.
Dr. Clark’s Vision
Dr. Clark dreamed of a place where every child could thrive—a welcoming space where families could find support, hope, and expert care. She envisioned a center where kids come first, services are integrated, and families feel respected and heard in their own language. It would be a place to help children build resilience, develop social-emotional skills, and reach their full potential. With strong leadership, compassionate staff, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors, that dream became a reality—Children’s Health Council.
Who We Serve
At CHC, we’re here for the whole circle of care: children, teens, young adults, families, schools, and community partners. Whether you’re seeking answers, support, or next steps, we help bring everything—and everyone—together
Impact Highlights from 2024
