Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health California

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is one of the largest and most advanced behavioral healthcare organizations in the country. Today, Devereux operates 15 centers in 13 states across the country.

Founded in 1912, by special education pioneer Helena Devereux, the organization is a provider for individuals with autism, intellectual, emotional and developmental disabilities, as well as other physical and cognitive impairments. Our mission is to change lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health California (a.k.a., Devereux California) began in Santa Barbara the early 1940's with services to children and teenagers whom Helena Devereux brought to a then rural coastal California setting from Devon, PA for special education and therapeutic benefits. By the following decade, Devereux California was headed by Dr. Edward L. French who had previously been the Director of Psychology and Education at Devereux Foundation. Ms. Devereux then served as a consultant and retired from her long-held founding director post. During this time and into the 1960's, Devereux began professional training and research partnerships with several universities back east as well as witht the American Psychological Association (APA) to offer internships, and is now one of ten pre-doctoral internship programs accredited by the APA.

Since 2006, Devereux California serves only adults ages 18 and over. Services and programs are offered to those with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioral differences and other cognitive impairments. The California campus offers residential and day treatment programs, community living in supported and independent environments, and is a liaison for all clients to access services they require to maintain optimal health and well being. Devereux California also operates a cottage industry co-operative self-employment for any adult client who chooses to participate in their Greenhouse program. The Devereux California Greenhouse participants grow herbs and other desert succulent plants for sale in the local community. In addition, Devereux California also helps clients find outside employment of their choice

Devereux Foundation's Corporate Headquarters is located in Villanova Pennsylvania and is governed by a national Board of Trustees. Devereux California operates under the Devereux umbrella, yet has most of its operations independent with it's own Board of Advisors. Advisory Board members help support the California campus fund development programs, public relations and local media outreach.

We seek local citizens who are interested in serving on the California Advisory Board that meets nine months out of the year. There is a simple application packet to be filled out and returned to the California Development Office. The vetting process consists of a review and approval by the Advisory Nominating Committee followed by a vote of the full Advisory Board. Devereux California welcomes new applicants who are interested in helping us serve some of our most vulnerable adults.