Staff: Max Frausto (He/Him)

Max Frausto brings over a decade of experience in the social services field to the Friends LA team. Prior to working for Friends LA, he worked as a substance abuse counselor for adolescents aged 14 to 17 and a Wraparound program through DCFS. Through this work, Max observed the significant challenges young people face in adopting healthy coping strategies, often due to prolonged exposure to adverse environments that create barriers to change.

Motivated by Friends LA’s long-term mentorship model, Max joined the organization to contribute to its mission of empowering youth and families. He is especially enthusiastic about helping families recognize and build on their existing strengths, thereby enhancing their resilience and capacity to manage life’s stressors. Max finds great fulfillment in collaborating with caregivers, developing strategies to strengthen family dynamics, and increasing access to essential services. He is committed to serving as an advocate and is passionate about reshaping community perceptions of mental health.

Max holds two Associate of Arts degrees from Antelope Valley College—one in Arts and Humanities and the other in Social and Behavioral Sciences. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Southern California.