Blackburn Mentoring works with Orange County families and young adults mostly by video. Our team is in Los Angeles, close enough that in-person sessions in LA are possible, but most clients in Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar and the surrounding cities choose online sessions because they fit around school, practice and traffic. Each client has one dedicated mentor and meets weekly or more.
Why most Orange County clients choose video
On a map, Orange County and Los Angeles look close. On the 405 or the 5 at 4 pm, they are not. An hour or more each way for a 60 minute session rarely makes sense for a high school student with homework and practice, or for a young professional at the end of a workday.
- Video sessions happen from home, a dorm or the office.
- There is no drive, so sessions can be shorter and more frequent.
- The schedule does not depend on traffic.
- Families who want an occasional in-person meeting can arrange one in Los Angeles.
Our page on online vs. in-person mentoring compares the two in more detail.
What we hear from Orange County parents
Orange County has well-regarded public school districts and a number of independent schools, along with an active youth sports and beach culture. Parents tend to describe a teenager who is doing a lot and finishing little, or who seems to have everything and still lacks direction.
A few patterns come up again and again:
- A student coasting on talent who is starting to fall behind as classes get harder.
- A busy athlete whose schedule leaves no room for planning.
- A senior who is unsure about college and avoiding the topic.
- A graduate living back at home in the county, between plans.
Young adults on the coast
Orange County is expensive, and many young adults here are trying to launch from a comfortable home into an independent life that costs a great deal. Goals often include a first job with real prospects, savings toward an apartment, and a routine that does not revolve around weekends. See moving back home after college if that describes your household.
Combining video and occasional in-person sessions
Because Orange County is within driving distance of our Los Angeles team, some families choose a mix: regular video sessions during the week, with an occasional in-person meeting in Los Angeles at the start of mentoring or at key moments like the end of a semester. Others never meet in person and find it makes no difference to the work. We talk through what fits on the free intro call. Whatever the format, the client keeps the same dedicated mentor and the same weekly plan, and text and phone contact between sessions stays the same. Families sometimes start in person and shift to video once the relationship is established, which tends to make sessions easier to keep.
Scheduling and logistics
Orange County is on Pacific time, the same as our team, so after-school, evening and weekend sessions line up without any math. Sessions are 30 or 60 minutes, weekly or several times a week, on a weekly or monthly plan, with text and phone contact in between. For high school students, the parent joins the intro call, helps agree the goals and receives regular progress updates.
Where a mentor fits
Mentors are not tutors, therapists or admissions counselors. They are steady, practical guides who help students and young adults follow through. Parents of teens usually start with mentoring for high school students; college-age clients with mentoring for college students. For the full online picture, see our online mentoring page, and for in-person options, mentoring in Los Angeles.
Related
Common questions
Can we meet in person instead of by video?
In-person sessions are available in Los Angeles. Most Orange County clients choose video because it avoids the drive, but some combine the two.
Do you come to Newport Beach or Irvine?
We do not hold sessions in Orange County itself. Clients there work with us by video or meet in person in Los Angeles.
Is mentoring the same as tutoring?
No. Mentors help with goals, planning, habits and follow-through, and can coordinate with a tutor the family already uses.
Get started
Want to talk about mentoring for someone in Orange County? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.