I was in need of Auto Related Courses and the only schools suggested to me were in San Jose. For someone living in Newark without at vehicle, that was a problem. Through some research I found 2nd Chance whose office is only minutes away from home. Talk about a blessing. The staff is friendly and extremely accommodating with payments. I worked with two counselors. Candy was the first. She is very knowledgeable of the topics discussed in class. And always willing to assist those in need with numerous issues. Linda was the second. Leading group discussion, she always encouraged clients to talk freely about their thoughts and experiences. Linda is rather open herself so there was never the notion of judgment. And the fact she had a sense of humor was great. I highly recommend 2nd Chance for Auto Related Courses. I have learned collectively many of the staff members have led adventurous lives themselves. Knowing the ins and outs of the system, openly referring you to other/outside sources for further assistance. All together the session went by quickly and was relatively cheap. And don't skip out on classes if you can help it as you will have to make them up after your entire session is through- at an additional fee for each class missed. read more

Second Chance - Counseling & Mental Health Near Me - Newark, California

Im extremely impressed with this program and all the resources and support they provide. The Staff is always so sweet warm and kind whenever I walk through those doors. Overall I would highly recommend this establishment. read more

I wish I could give a review about the service but, is that bad that I couldn't even get enrolled, after I paid and everything is supposed to go smoothly, it's been over a week and a half and I haven't gotten scheduled or sent any proof of enrollment to DMV. I had to reach out a different agency and it took 2 business days for them to have everything on track. read more

Soo this being my first DUI I was confused, nervous and mad. I didn't know where to start or how to even start. I went on their website & was able to enroll myself right away. I then got a call back the following day explaining what I needed to do and what the program consisted of. I paid and was then sent my schedule (Or I paid then got a call I can't remember sorry). Right away the woman I spoke with on the phone made me feel a tad bit at ease. Fast forward to my first face to face call with Martin M. I was able to really open up to him and not feel judged. He was my education instructor and I definitely learned a lot in the class. I would find myself talking about what I learned to my friends/family trying to educate them lol. Once I finished my education I then moved onto Group. My instructor for that class was Tyger T. and he was amazing! He gave me the vibe of being my cool uncle that I could talk to about anything, again without feeling like I was being judged. Lastly I spoke with Ricardo for my exit phone call and he just put the cherry on top for me. Very personable and educational he gave me advice on programs that I could utilize to continue my healing journey. Of course I can't forget about the lovely ladies who answer the phones I don't remember any of their names but every time I called I found myself laughing with whoever I was talking to. I truly appreciate every single person at this company especially while I was going through a very hard time in my life. I don't even write reviews at all but for them I had to !! Thank you y'all, while I truly appreciated you ALL I'm hoping that was my first & last time having to go through a DUI program ;) read more

Second Chance is a HORRIBLE DUI program to attend. I would not recommend wasting your money on this program. They are hypocritical, unreasonable, and simply not helpful in the slightest sense of the word. Find another facility if you have to attend a DUI school. I would give 0 stars if I could!!! read more

Inattentive instructors, horrible front office support, clearly there to make money, not help people. Nobody is held accountable for their actions, and the instructors are a joke. Make sure they accurately call your attendance so you don't have to retake classes you already attended AND have to pay them for it. Highly recommend another service if possible, SAVE YOURSELF THE HEADACHE and deal with real professionals. read more

John Thompson is the best counselor! I am so grateful he was able to share if faith and testimony with his class and make a huge impact on so many lives. He made class so much easier to get through by how he made you feel in his class and his honesty! read more

This is the absolute worst place. Horrible, rude customer service, the group classes are a free for all and a joke. They sell you on 3 month programs but it's actually 4 months. When I asked for a refund they refused. I am super sorry that I went with this program. read more

I made an appointment and they gave me such little information over the phone. I showed up to my appointment 15 minutes early just to watch them converse and talk about their personal lives among over coworkers. I waited in the waiting room for over 45 minutes. I was told the appointment was an hour. After being there for 30 minutes. Most of the time was wasted on them getting my class schedule to me. If they would of asked for more info on the phone they could have had these thing filled out. They were so concerned about covid yet they had me sitting in their suite for over an hour when it was not necessary. There is no need for someone to sit in a building full of other people when it is not necessary. Especially when someone else walks in the building whose talking about how they were exposed so wanted to setup a new appointment and is talking to multiple co-workers and walking around the building for a good 10 minutes before they finally ask him to leave. I know the precautions and the guild lines that are to be followed by all businesses and they are not implementing them here. I brought up my concerns and they started laughing at me and then refused to even see me for this appointment. They even responded to me being upset by saying "it happens every 20 years or so, so it's okay" but it's not okay. We are in different times and they need to adapt to the times. If you're going to make people sit in the waiting room for a hour while you do work at your desk the whole time then you should at least take peoples temperatures. I personally think it could of been done before I even came into the office. Put that in your suggestion box with no paper or pens to add a suggestion. I felt very disrespected and like they didn't care about their clients at all. I have a elderly cancer patient at home and I have to be very cautious about exposure. And them thinking that it's a laughing matter is very wrong and upsetting. read more

Missed a class due to a family emergency and they still collect $20 even though I joined to notify them about the situation. All they want is your money - so trash. read more

Martin was my counselor,Lisa was helped me with my exit review, Ricardo was my exit face to face.. all of which were amazing !!!! I made a big mistake in my life .. they were all supportive, there for me, and understanding! Thank you second chance ! I'm very proud to be done ! They made it possible read more

I have been with second chance since 2021, when I got my 2nd DUI - I signed up early and began my admin per se pending the conviction. This program was extremely affordable and being able to attend via Zoom is super convenient, but my goodness was it boring! The highlight of my time here in the program is my counselor Mr. Thompson. I had him as my Face to Face counselor at first, and he was always so supportive and understanding. I got my DUI at a time in my life where I was on a forward trajectory and the DUI completely derailed me and set me way back. Mr. Thompson made me feel like I wasn't alone and that I can always keep moving forward. I ended up requesting to be in his DUI Group class and it is the highlight of my weeks, sometimes. He really checks in with you and sees how you are doing. At the beginning of class he asks everyone how their week went. I truly feel like I am gaining a lot from his class and it really speaks to me and keeps me accountable! Without Mr. Thompson, I would more than likely feel like this program was just another nuisance in my life and I'd be going through the motions, with him there, I feel like I am really engaged and interested in attending! You rock, Mr. Thompson!!!! read more

Second Chance has helped me get a first chance at life as a functioning adult. They've given me something I didn't know I needed, support and encouragement. It'll work for you if you allow it to and work it for yourself. read more

Awful program! Rude instructors, terrible customer service, tons of misinformation that sends you in the wrong direction, hidden fees, lack of structure, and constant excuses for being short staffed, need I say more. Are these my problems? I think not! I'm a paying patron trying to fulfill a legal requirement as a responsible adult after making a mistake in life. It's bad enough to have to fulfill the class requirements and everything else that comes along with it, but Second Chance is a horrible choice of a program, that's my opinion and my opinion to have. Aside from a handful of descent people staffed at Second Chance who are actually helpful and polite, this program is a total waste of time and money and I've actually gotten more frustration than help for a service that's supposed to be here to assist and serve people who are trying to make a change in their lives. My advice to those reading this review is to please seek services elsewhere if possible. I don't want anyone to have to go through what I've experiened with this program. Most likely it will still be around for years to come as long as the California DUI system keeps pumping out customers, but if I can help a few with the headache before it happens then this review has served its purpose. Thank you to those who have been helpful and polite at Second Chance, but to the rest there's no word strong enough to express my level anger and frustration towards you! I'm sooooo looking forward to not having this place being apart of my life ever again!!!! read more

Second chance has really give me a second chance... totally fell in love with this place and staff... I'm so grateful that this place exist and that I finally is taking advantage of the resources and help they provide one way or the other... read more

The course itself I enjoyed it and instructor I had was great. I learned a lot. BUT whoever is in charge of answering phones has the worst customer service and smart mouth with an attitude that made this rating so low! You're suppose to help people. I had a missed call and voicemail with no name but asking I call back right away, so I did immediately. She was no help "well I'm sure if it's important they will call you back" I said "well voicemail asked that I call back right away so I am" she then just "well I can't help to connect you" gee, thanks for nothing. Could've asked around instead of being rude or simply taken my name down to see who might have been trying to reach me but literally NO EFFORT to help. read more

I have been with the Second Chance for close to a year now . It's a great program easy to sign up and a payment portal that is simple to use but most of all it is the staff , and counselors, that make Second Chance so great,... John Thompson is one of the counselors that does face to face phone meetings He is always on time and takes his time going through all the steps necessary to insure you stay on track, keep in mind these face to face interviews happen several times a month and John Thompson not only guides you through the necessary step to help complete the program he also takes the time to listen and yes he ask the tough question but because he takes the time to listen and shows he cares it becomes very easy to be honest and open witch is very important to get through the program. People like John Thompson are an asset to this company and for me a great support system. Thank you Second Chance and great Job having people like John Thompson on your staff. read more

I had a friend who went to Second Chance to recover from drugs. I am amazed at the changes that I've seen her go through. She is a total different person now and she said she owes it all to Second Chance =) She doesn't have access to a computer and I wanted others to know that if they need help or are struggling with alcohol and/or drugs, check them out and see if they can help you like they did her. I thank God for programs like theirs, it's made such a difference in her life. Thank you Second Chance!! read more

Second chance saved my life.. The counselors here are all great, and they all truly care about people, second chance is the most comfortable place i ever been to where i feel at home, thank god for second chance. So if you are looking for somewhere to get sober, second chance is the best.... read more

I used to only yelp on places that were bad, but thanks to Second Chance I'm looking at life completely different. I went to Second Chance for help getting clean and sober. I didn't know what to expect but I was very surprised at how they accepted me. They gave me a little structure and all the tools that I need to make it through daily life (Not too easy to do). I'm a new man thanks to Second Chance. read more

I love this program, because they help families, children. They advocate for those connected with their program, have meetings, daycare. Great place to go if you have community service. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, professional and care about everyone. read more

My God send. Been attending meetings and one on one for nearly 8 years! The place to get on track and stay there!

extreme dissatisfaction with the program at Second Chance, Inc. not only is it unprofessional. The teaching has nothing to do with the subject it is supposed to. The teachers are inconsistent and allowed to abuse their power accordingly. Today I was asked to leave a class. The class was being lead by a substitute her name was Beverly she was very rude. She kept insisting people share things that they were OBVIOUSLY NOT comfortable sharing. I spoke up about this telling another person you know you don't have to talk about anything if you don't want to, still she pressured. Then as the class often does all of us began talking at once I will admit I am talkative as was I guess another girl in this 'teacher's opinion. Beverly said she was not going to tolerate this behavior to which my response was this is the way our class always is next thing I know she gets up, storms out and says we can all leave. Every woman there that night is my witness. This mind you is supposed to be about domestic violence Beverly says she leads another group on anger management this is laughable! Furthermore on one occasion I was three minutes late arriving I had tried to find parking at the center but it was not available I was only made aware after the fact that it was ok to use the parking lot of the business next door so I had to leave and received no credit for the class. This would have been just fine if it applied to everyone. However a month or so later another girl was there around two minutes late but she was allowed to stay and received full credit. This is simply unfair and unprofessional. Each week we come to class. We sit down and the instructor tells some meaningless story about her grandkids or her colonoscopy again info I really do not care to hear about. After that we go around the room for what we call check in this is supposed to be a check in of our week then we just randomly pick a topic or talk about health or what have you. I would say nine times out of ten it has no relevance whatsoever to Domestic Violence which is what I was sent there for!!! I would think for $1100 and countless hours we'd expect a bit more. I have complained about all of these incidents to the management of Second Chance Inc, Mark McCormick he basically antagonizes me more and throws this complaint form at me, they simply do not care. They want to collect each clients fee and get them through it is ridiculous why doesn't the court come up with something a little more creative and useful, like public service. At this point my only wish is to get this over with. I want full credit for being asked to leave at 7:00pm tonight 5/19/09 as well as the night that I was exactly three minutes late. If there are rules apply them to all, further have Second Chance tell their teachers about us rather than us be subjected to their whims. I was asked to leave a class for speaking my mind, and because she didn't like me, I am not there to be liked nor do I really care what this program thinks of me I am there to complete my sentence and supposedly learn something about domestic violence sadly this program offers NOTHING of the sort!!! Finally confidentiality I have heard it breached and had it breached by other members of the group. Someone should make sure that people understand confidentiality especially the so-called instructor. She talks about former class members and their lives the surprise of the babies they're having when she thought they were struggling with the decision, this is none of our business. If I were the woman I do NOT want my story or any part of it used in the context of this useless program. I ran into another client who works at the meat counter of Safeway where she decided to divulge to everyone where she knew me from NOT COOL!!! I have been shopping there for fifteen years it's real nice that they now know I am attending these so-called DV classes. This system really is a sad joke. There are girls who literally stabbed someone and got 26 weeks. I smacked an ex and got 52 weeks!!! please someone make sense of this for me! read more

I've never had to use their services, but when I called to ask a question the old lady who answered the phone at 5:45 on April 29 was rude as heck. Absolute lack of phone etiquette, and devoid of any empathy. Not at all what's expected from a counseling/mental health center. read more

Everybody that I spoke to at this place was extremely, extremely rude. They did not want to help me at all. I'm guessing they don't get paid a lot because they treated me terribly and didn't sound like they wanted to be there whatsoever. Very unfriendly staff. Highly not recommended. read more