Saban Community Clinic and Westmont Counseling Center Announce Merger to Expand Access to Care in South Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saban Community Clinic (Saban) and Westmont Counseling Center (Westmont) are proud to announce their merger, bringing together two trusted organizations committed to providing quality care to underserved communities. Westmont Counseling Center will become part of Saban Community Clinic, and this partnership will honor Westmont’s rich history and legacy of compassionate service while expanding the scope of care available to the Westmont neighborhood.

For decades, Westmont Counseling Center has been a cornerstone for behavioral health services in South Los Angeles, supporting individuals and families with empathy and expertise. Through this merger, Saban will build on that foundation—continuing the same mission and community commitment—while introducing a broader range of services, including comprehensive medical care, dental services, preventive screenings, and access to a larger network of specialists.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Westmont Counseling Center,” said Muriel Nouwezem, CEO of Saban Community Clinic. “Westmont’s impact in the community has been extraordinary, and together, we can ensure that residents have access to care that goes beyond behavioral health—offering a true continuum of services to improve overall health and wellbeing.”

The integration of services will allow patients to seamlessly access both behavioral health and other services like comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy access, reducing barriers and improving outcomes in a neighborhood that has historically been underserved.

“Westmont is committed to helping the wonderful people of this community in any way we can,” said Joel McLafferty, Executive Director of Westmont Counseling Center. “With this merger, we will continue to provide compassionate mental health services, while opening the door to a new world of medical services right here at home.”

The merger is effective November 8th, 2025, with services continuing uninterrupted for current Westmont patients. Over the coming months, Saban will work closely with staff, patients, and community partners to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the personal, trusted care for which both organizations are known.

About Saban Community Clinic

Founded in 1967 as the LA Free Clinic, Saban Community Clinic (SCC) has maintained its founding principle that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. SCC continues its work to provide affordable medical, dental, mental health and specialty care to low-income and uninsured individuals, including children. SCC operates multiple health centers and a mobile clinic across Los Angeles and West Hollywood, delivering essential services to those who might otherwise not receive care. With over 155,000 visits annually, SCC provides more than $6.5 million worth of free services each year, truly making a significant impact on the community.

About Westmont Counseling Center

Westmont Counseling Center provides high-quality, affordable mental health services to residents of Westmont and surrounding South Los Angeles communities. The Center offers individual, couples, family, and child therapy, along with specialized support and therapy groups addressing issues such as anger management, women’s support, and Batterer Intervention.

Dedicated to helping people build resilience, heal from trauma, and enhance their quality of life, Westmont Counseling Center is also committed to the professional development of future clinicians by offering comprehensive training for pre-licensed psychotherapists.