Redlands, California Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Redlands, California

Redlands is in southern California’s San Bernardino County, about 60 miles from Los Angeles. Redlands is the jewel of the area forming the Inland Empire. The U.S. Census estimates Redlands’ current population at 71,554. The charming city contains 24 parks and beautifully preserved examples of original Victorian architecture.

Once home to the nation’s orange groves, Redlands was a significant part of the country’s main citrus belt. After World War II, real estate developers converted agricultural land into cottage communities. Urban sprawl now covers a broad suburban landscape of single-home developments.

As Redlands’ housing options evaporate, financial pressure increases. For those fortunate enough to rent or own housing, the percentage of income used for lease or mortgage payments is inordinately high.  Family earnings are not keeping up with living costs. The overall poverty rate in Redlands is 14.12 percent. Females are hardest hit at 15.27 percent while males come in at 12.85 percent. Living below the poverty line is a mental health challenge. Redlands’ crime rate is higher than 90 percent of U.S. cities, a factor that also correlates with mental illness.

Population and Housing Challenges

Cities in California, decades behind in keeping up with rapid population growth, are suffering from a scarcity of apartment vacancies and homes. Astronomical rent and real estate prices are among the highest in the U.S.

Some believe that, rather than curtail urban development, there is an urgent need to increase sprawl and continue to build outward. Others declare “infill” is the answer, plugging wasted space with high-rise buildings located nearer to commercial hubs and public transport. They contend that less travel time will reduce pollution and congestion to keep millennials from leaving the area.

Because of high prices and low housing vacancy, millennials aged 20 to 36 are the hardest-hit group. Only one in four millennials are homeowners and, as a group, are least able to afford the skyrocketing costs of California living. Millennials could move out-of-state to find relatively affordable housing unless city planners can find a solution to the housing shortage.

Poverty by Cultural Diversity, Education, Gender and Employment

Redlands residents are predominantly White at 74.5 percent. The balance of residents identify as Asian at 7.7 percent, Black at 5.8 percent, Racially Mixed at 5.3 percent, Pacific Islanders at 0.5 percent, American Indian at 0.7 percent and Other at 5.5 percent. Languages spoken in Redlands are English at 75.1 percent, Spanish at 14.9 percent, Asian at 5.2 percent, Indo-European at 2.9 percent and those who identify as Other at 1.8 percent.

The total poverty rate for employed and unemployed citizens of Redlands is 14.12 percent. The highest poverty rate is for unemployed females at 28.94 percent; the poverty rate for unemployed males is 11.42 percent. Poverty is 31.38 percent for less than high school education, 15.40 percent for high school graduates, 10.42 for some college, and 5.17 percent for attaining a college bachelor degree or higher degree.

The highest poverty rate by race is Pacific Islander at 30.0 percent, followed by Black at 21.79 percent, Native American at 25.6 percent, Hispanic at 18.72 percent, Asian at 14.12 percent and White at 10.82 percent. Those who identify as Racially Mixed and Other are respectively at 9.14 percent and 22.62 percent below the poverty line.

Complications in Securing Mental Health Care

A study by the University of California rated main geographic areas in California by mental healthcare professionals per capita. The Inland Empire, which includes Redlands, ranked worst in the state. Some of the significant problems in obtaining mental health care include:

• Very low mental health provider ratios
• The diversity of spoken languages causes communication problems
• Non-White races are less likely to seek help due to fear of discrimination
• Among the 5.61 percent of non-U.S. residents living in Redlands, fear of deportation prevents finding services
• Homeless people are at risk for severe mental illness
• Divorce is at 10.9 percent
• Separated couples are at 1.5 percent
• The crime rate is exceptionally high
• Few mental health providers for children

Mental Health Services Are a Priority In Redlands

A not-for-profit health resource called the Inland Empire Health Plan administers Medi-Cal and Medicare for those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid.

Finding treatment for mental illness is possible. E-Counseling’s directory is an excellent resource for Redlands citizens who need help.