The Whole Child emerged from studies in 1954 by the Whittier Chapter of the California Mental Hygiene Society and the Whittier Mental Health Association. Both reported community interest in children’s welfare clinics, and in 1957 the Intercommunity Child Guidance Center was founded (originally the Child Guidance Clinic of Greater Whittier), with Natalie Zucker elected temporary president of the board. In June 1958 the Child Guidance Clinic opened to clients for one day per week, staffed by volunteers with psychiatrist Francis Butler serving as medical director. By 1960 the Clinic had enough funding to offer services 2.5 days per week. In 1965 the Clinic opened an auxiliary thrift shop, the Child Guidance Thrift Shop. The Child Guidance Clinic was renamed The Whole Child in 2010.