Medical facilities for diagnosing cerebral palsy in California
Early diagnosis typically involves pediatric neurologists, developmental specialists, and advanced imaging centers. The following facilities are known for pediatric neurological evaluation:
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
Address: 1975 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158
Phone: (415) 476-1000
Website: https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org
This hospital offers comprehensive pediatric neurology services, including MRI diagnostics, neonatal follow-up clinics, and developmental assessment programs.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Address: 4650 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 660-2450
Website: https://www.chla.org
CHLA provides multidisciplinary brain injury clinics and early developmental screening services.
Rady Children’s Hospital - Find a cerebral palsy attorney in San Diego
Address: 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 576-1700
Website: https://www.rchsd.org
Rady Children’s features pediatric neurology, neuroimaging, and high-risk infant follow-up clinics.
Treatment and therapy for cerebral palsy in California
Long-term care typically includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, orthopedic care, and sometimes neurosurgical intervention.
UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Rehabilitation
Address: 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone: (310) 825-9111
Website: https://www.uclahealth.org
Offers comprehensive pediatric rehabilitation and spasticity management programs.
Shriners Children’s Northern California - Find a San Francisco cerebral palsy lawyer
Address: 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: (916) 453-2000
Website: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org
Specializes in orthopedic management, mobility support, and surgical interventions for children with neuromuscular conditions.
Stanford Children’s Health
Address: 725 Welch Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: (650) 497-8000
Website: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org
Provides coordinated pediatric neurology and rehabilitation services.
Organizations that support cerebral palsy in California
United Cerebral Palsy of Los Angeles, Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties
Address: 6430 Independence Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Phone: (818) 782-2211
Website: https://www.ucpla.org
Easterseals Southern California
Address: 1063 McGaw Avenue, Irvine, CA 92614
Phone: (949) 709-5700
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/southerncal
California Department of Developmental Services
Address: 1215 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 654-1987
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov
The Department oversees regional centers that coordinate services for individuals with developmental disabilities statewide.
Fundraisers for cerebral palsy in California
UCP Wheels for Humanity Ride
Website: https://www.ucp.org
Easterseals Walk With Me California
Website: https://www.easterseals.com
These annual events raise funds for mobility equipment, therapy programs, and community services.
Legal rights for those with a cerebral palsy disability
Families in California benefit from strong disability protections:
- Medicaid coverage: Medi-Cal provides healthcare coverage for eligible children with disabilities, including therapy, durable medical equipment, and in-home supportive services.
- Early intervention: The Early Start Program provides services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.
- Education rights: Under federal IDEA law and California education regulations, children with cerebral palsy are entitled to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and free appropriate public education.
- Employment protections: The Americans with Disabilities Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibit discrimination.
- Financial assistance: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and Regional Center services may provide additional support.
California also allows families to file birth injury medical malpractice lawsuits when negligent prenatal or delivery care results in injury. The statute of limitations generally requires filing within three years of injury or before the child’s eighth birthday, with certain exceptions. Recent reforms have increased the cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases, gradually raising allowable recovery amounts over time.
Helpful information for families dealing with cerebral palsy in California
Regional centers throughout California play a critical role in coordinating lifelong services. Families should apply as early as possible for eligibility determinations. Transition planning from pediatric to adult services should begin in adolescence to ensure continuity of care.
Because California is geographically vast, telehealth services have expanded significantly in recent years, improving access for families in rural areas. Many therapy providers now offer hybrid care models.
Parents are encouraged to maintain organized medical records, therapy notes, and educational documentation. These records not only support treatment continuity but may also become important if legal review is ever necessary.
California offers extraordinary medical expertise alongside complex systems of care. With early intervention, coordinated therapy, and informed advocacy, families can build strong foundations for children living with cerebral palsy across the state.
Sources
Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy in Southern California. Dignity Health. (April 1, 2026). Retrieved from
www.dignityhealth.org
Medical therapy program. California children’s services. (July 29, 2025). Retrieved from www.dhcs.ca.gov
