Citrus Heights, California Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Citrus Heights, California

Citrus Heights, California is suburban city located on the outskirts of Sacramento County. It is located only approximately 16 miles from the state’s capital, Sacramento, with an estimated population of 87,931. Although Citrus Heights is a relatively new city that didn’t achieve cityhood until 1997, it is a region that is rich in history. The 14 Mile House, Sylvan Cemetery, and the Rusch Home are only a few of the notable sites that date back to the 1800s and are reminiscent of a more rural past.

The city is close to the Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville and boasts pleasant weather all-year round with an average temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit.  With beautiful parks, established neighborhoods, and great schools, Citrus Heights has the makings of a great place to live.

Yet, once you look beneath the surface you’ll discover that even the most beautiful cities have their share of challenges. An estimated one in six Californian adults have a mental health need which can include requiring care for depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, schizophrenia, suicide, and mood disorders. Like the rest of California, the residents of Citrus Heights are not immune to these mental health issues and often do not receive the care they need.

Mental Health Challenges in Citrus Heights

Citrus Heights experiences various unique challenges that are related to mental health issues. For example, the city has an especially high level of crime. With a total of 3,553 crimes reported for every 100,000 people, the reported crime rate is 21 percent higher than what is reported for the entire state. A majority of these offenses are property crimes. In fact, if you live in Citrus Heights your chance of becoming a victim of a property crime is one in thirty.

While people often incorrectly assume that those with a mental illness are more likely to commit a crime, it is actually true that those with serious mental illnesses are victims of crime more than often than they commit them. One concerning 2017 statistic reveals that police officers in Citrus Heights have fatally shot people more than any other force in California. Several of the individuals shot and killed by police were reported by family members to have been mentally ill, and members of the community have expressed concern that officers are not trained correctly on how to deal will mentally ill suspects. Apart from these issues, higher crime rates can also increase anxiety and depression issues since a fear of crime has been linked to an overall poorer mental health.

Poverty and homelessness also causes challenges for the Citrus Heights community. The median household income of the city is 54,373 with a poverty percentage of 13.2 percent. In 2017, a count performed by a volunteer group called Sacramento Steps Forward counted 188 homeless people in Citrus Heights and a whopping 3,665 unsheltered individuals in Sacramento County as a whole. Sadly, living in poverty has a significant adverse effect on one’s mental illness, and the effects are increasingly severe for children.

Sacramento County also struggles with an increasing suicide rate. In 2015, the California Department of Public Health stated that there was a 25 percent increase in the Sacramento region’s suicide rates. There is an especially high rate of suicide amongst the Baby Boomer generation. Poverty and the most recent economic recession are considered a possible cause of this large increase in suicides.

Obstacles in Finding a Suitable Therapist in Citrus Heights

It is an unfortunate fact that many people who suffer from a mental illness do not receive treatment. Despite laws like the Affordable Care Act, an estimated two thirds of Californian adults with a mental illness did not receive any care. Availability of care, knowledge of resources, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and financial barriers are just some of the factors that play into these statistics.  In addition, 6.9% percent of people under the age of 65 in Citrus Heights do not have health insurance, which can greatly affect whether they will get the care they need.

Resources Available in Citrus Heights

The first step for you or your loved one with a mental health concern to get the help they need is to determine what resources are available. E-Counseling is an invaluable resource for getting connected with a therapist in your area, including Citrus Heights. Search through the directory to find a professional who can help you today!