The Ananda Institute was founded by gifted Stanford psychologist Laurence Horowitz in 1968, an exciting time of breakthrough modalities in therapy. Shortly after, it was incorporated as a non-profit research, education and training agency dedicated to serving the mental health needs of its community. Over the years, Ananda Institute has evolved into a vital, socially active organization, providing a full range of community social services and counseling.

Our primary mission is to provide comprehensive psychological services to children, families, couples and individuals regardless of race, age, economic ability or religious affiliation. The Institute is further dedicated to creating meaningful differences in the lives of children and families affected by domestic violence/familial trauma, child abuse, and alcohol/substance abuse.

At Ananda, we understand the challenges to discovering, or re-discovering, our deepest potential. We know the struggle – and the joy – in creating a life well lived. In fact, our name means joy in Hindi, one of the world's ancient languages. And because we honor the individual journey of each client, we provide many approaches to healing. This diversity in programs, and ability to offer a variety of therapies under one roof, gives our clients easy accessibility to help, and makes Ananda unique in the community.

Here you'll find a core staff of dedicated psychologists who have realized their own joy working with clients to find the meaning and the grace in living. We're proud of our forty years of service to the community, and look forward to expanding our offerings as we embrace the complex needs of a growing Northern California.