Therapists in El Monte, CA and Nearby Locations

An Overview of Mental Health Resources in El Monte, California

Located in the prestigious Los Angeles County, the city of El Monte serves as the prime example of Californian living. The weather is generally temperate and pleasant, especially in the colder months. Amenities are easy to access and abundant. Around just about every street corner is a good place to shop or catch some entertainment. If you are a fan of walking over driving, you will be pleased to know El Monte is packed full of walkable neighborhoods and equipped with a decently efficient and affordable public transportation system. As per 2017 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 116,000 people live in the city. While that number is certainly nothing to scoff at, the population of El Monte is growing at a rate considerably slower than many of its neighboring cities. For this reason, many consider El Monte to be a good balance between city and suburban life.

The typical primary motivation behind one’s decision to move domiciles has to do with a job opportunity. In the case of El Monte, that notion holds. That being said, not everyone actively looking for employment can land a job. Moreover, those who can find a job are not always working for a livable wage. Layoffs and other job-compromising events frequently occur, too. El Monte’s job market, specifically, is far from stellar. The rate of jobless individuals in the city exceeds the national average by 15 percent. Unfortunately, the economic troubles of the El Monte area are contributing to another large, complex problem. Experts are saying the city of El Monte in addition to the rest of the nation is going through a “mental health crisis.” Let’s go over what that means, why the state of mental health in El Monte is so poor, and what you can do to get in contact with a therapist who can help if you are in need.

Regrettably, the concern of skyrocketing rates of mental health conditions is a problem the entirety of America is facing, according to researchers. A revealing 2018 report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 50 percent of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness at one point or another during their life. Focusing on the state of California fails to yield more promising results. According to a 2017 study commissioned by Mental Health America, California ranks amongst the top 50 percent of states regarding the prevalence of mental illness. So, what about El Monte, specifically?

Firstly, El Monte’s economy is not the strongest. People all over the city are struggling with low annual incomes and job loss. Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest the average income per capita is almost 30 percent lower than the national average. Unemployment tends to create poverty and wreak havoc on a region’s economy. Unfortunately, El Monte is no exception. As per Area Vibes, the poverty rate in the city is roughly 60 percent higher than in the rest of the nation. Undoubtedly, the city’s comparatively high cost of living only serves to worsen the economic situation of many. The relationship between poverty and mental health is significant. Areas with rampant poverty experience more mental health problems than areas that are economically stable. As per a recent report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), American adults living under the federal poverty level are more than two times as likely to suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition.

Amplifying the effects of El Monte’s economic troubles is the education system. Namely, the sub-par quality of learning El Monte public school pupils are receiving. As per statistics from the local school districts, the average test score of an El Monte student is approximately 17 percent lower than the national average. It is no secret that statistically speaking, education plays a major role in someone’s current and future mental health. Those who receive a poor education are more likely to be dealing with a mental illness.

The divorce rate in the state of California is also a cause for concern. Coming in at over ten points above the rest of the nation, there is no uncertainty about the negative impact California’s divorce rate has on the mental health of those who live there. Divorce serves as an important indicator of if someone is more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition. Products of spousal separation are particularly vulnerable to mental illness in addition to other problems. If you feel your relationship is at risk of dissolution, it is recommended you reach out for help in the form of counseling before making any permanent decisions.

The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in El Monte, California

Unfortunately, more and more Americans are finding it difficult to seek out the services of a licensed therapist. Experts are pointing fingers at the nationwide shortage of mental health professionals providing treatment to patients as being a large reason for people’s difficulties. A particularly alarming study from the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that 57 percent of Americans who are dealing with a mental illness do not receive any treatment during the year.

Officials are also blaming poorly executed legislation, poverty, and stigma as negatively influencing El Monte residents’ access to care. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, inhabitants of El Monte are more than three times as likely to lack any form of health insurance relative to the rest of the United States.

Mental Health Resources in El Monte, California

Attention from the government has increased the amount of funds directed toward treating mental illness significantly. Pacific Clinics is a local organization providing care for people suffering from psychiatric disorders. The Penn Mar Therapeutic Center similarly serves the community’s adults and youths.