Anaheim, California Therapists

Guide to Finding Mental Health Professionals in Anaheim, California

Anaheim is one of California’s larger cities located in Orange County and is perhaps best known for being home to Disneyland, the world-famous theme park. It boasts an impressive population of roughly 351,000 citizens. That number only continues to get higher as more people flood into the area. Anaheim first saw a massive population surge of 615 percent after the construction of Disneyland, and the number of residents has been only on the rise ever since. Of course, it’s a statistical truth that a booming population that’s arriving at a fast rate is going to impact the mental health of those living in Anaheim. This means increased rates of anything ranging from generalized anxiety and depression to eating disorders. However, the situation Anaheim and California as a whole is dealing with is very much a crisis. Experts believe the continuous population spike is exacerbating the already poor conditions. But, that’s not the only problem. Let’s break down the reasons behind Anaheim’s rising mental health issue rate and explain how to get in contact with a fitting therapist.

An Overview of Mental Health in Anaheim, California

Relative to the rest of the nation, Anaheim is in desperate need of improvements that address the mental health crisis. California as well as the surrounding areas ranked in the bottom 50 percent of states regarding mental illness in 2017; a worrying statistic indicative of a nationwide problem. But, it’s not the only one Americans have to worry about. According to a new report by the Public Policy Institute of California, more than one in four children living in Anaheim are experiencing abject poverty. Growing up and remaining below the poverty level means you’re far more likely to be suffering from a mental illness of some form. The national average for adults above the poverty line to be diagnosed with a mental illness is anywhere from 15 percent to 20 percent, depending on the level of income. However, the percent of mentally ill adults living under the federal poverty level is almost 30 percent.

Unfortunately, a life filled with destitution will sometimes stay that way, especially when someone was born into it. Many of Anaheim’s citizens are suffering from chronic homelessness. The number of homeless individuals per capita in Orange County is significantly higher than that of the rest of the country. So much so that the city of Anaheim declared a  state of emergency in 2017 concerning the growing homeless population. Homelessness plays a significant role in mental health. People living on the streets and in shelters are 20% more likely to have mental illness than the rest of the population.

Another demographic that is statistically vulnerable to higher rates of substance abuse and mental health problems are all parties that deal with divorce. Even children. It’s a well-known fact that parental divorce is a key factor in the development of childhood psychiatric illness. Sadly, Anaheim, California has one of the highest rates of spousal divorce in the country. A whopping 72 percent, of Orange County marriages end in divorce, compared to the national average of 50 percent. The best way to combat prospective divorce is with counseling. If you or your spouse feel as though the relationship is in jeopardy, it’s advised that you seek counseling before making any decisions about separation. Take the interests and future mental health status of all parties involved into consideration.

In addition to more homeless people and divorced couples, California’s elderly population . is also growing. This is because of transplants moving in from other states as well as an increase in life expectancy. Mental health conditions that relate to old age are on the rise in Anaheim. Diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia are ten percent more prevalent in Orange County than the average American city and five percent higher than the rest of California.

The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Anaheim, California

While both the local and federal government are concerned about Anaheim’s mental health crisis, not much progress is being made in terms of accessibility to treatment. Legislation attempting to solve the problem is written and passed frequently, but often make little impact. The complexity of the situation is too much for merely funding and more laws to solve, as it tends to just deal with symptoms of the problem rather than help to search for a solution.

Statistically, progress is being made on the insurance side of things. Two years after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was put into law, the amount of uninsured Californians was cut in half. Today, the rate of uninsured people is nine percent. However, that means millions of people in need of treatment are being left without it.

Mental Health Resources in Anaheim, California

Thankfully, the Anaheim area provides its citizens with a hefty amount of resources designated for treating mental illnesses. These include renowned hospitals like the West Anaheim Medical Center and the Anaheim Global Medical Center. Both of which offer a variety of services catered to those suffering from mental health issues. UCI Health Psychiatry Services specialize in treating mental illness and is available for those in need of outpatient services.