2026 California Mental Health Statistics
For generations, California has been portrayed as a state full of residents who are the picture of great physical and mental health and spend their time at the beach and living a zen life. While that may be true for some, it doesn’t take into consideration that people can suffer from poor mental health, no matter what their physical health is like, or what state they reside in. The Meadowglade has put together some California mental health statistics to help people understand the commonalities many people with mental illnesses share. We offer outpatient and residential programs designed to help those with poor mental health become part of the statistics of those who have learned to manage or overcome mental illness. Contact The Meadowglade today, and let’s talk about how we can help you or someone you love enjoy better mental health.
Learn more about our Southern California mental health programs or all us now at 888-272-2062 or verify your insurance now.
What Are Mental Health Disorders?
Mental health disorders are diagnosable mental illnesses that can impact people of all ages and backgrounds. They are diagnosed by a mental health expert, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist, using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It’s important for anyone interested in getting an assessment not to try to self-diagnose, as it takes a professional to come to the right conclusion. Common mental health disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and more.
Do I Have a Mental Health Disorder?
Too often, someone with a mental health disorder does not recognize their condition and deprives themselves of the help they need. They should ask their physician or insurance company for a referral to a mental health counselor who can provide an assessment. The clinician will ask about the person’s symptoms, how often they occur, and how long they have been going on. If they determine the individual has a mental illness, a plan can be formulated for the best treatment approach and level of care for them.
California Mental Health Statistics
If you live in the Golden State and struggle with symptoms of mental illness, you may be interested in California mental health statistics. In California:
- Just under 1.7 million adults have a serious mental health disorder.
- Approximately 616,000 adolescents experience a major depressive episode per year.
- About 14% of youths aged 17 and under have experienced two or more adverse childhood experiences, which often contribute to developing a mental illness.
- Approximately 11 million people live in areas without adequate options for mental healthcare.
- There is a one in 814 ratio for school psychologists to students K-12, which is well below the recommended amount.
- About 31.7% of adults reported having symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders.
- About one in four homeless people have complex behavioral healthcare issues, which include addiction, hallucinations, and recent hospitalization for psychiatric disorders.
- Up to 70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a mental health disorder.
- About 40% of people in prison have a mental health disorder that is often untreated.
Can Mental Health Disorders Make a Person Feel Suicidal?
One of the most shocking of California mental health statistics has to do with how many people develop suicidal feelings and act on them. Even someone who is just thinking about suicide should be taken seriously. In California, one in twenty adults have serious suicidal thoughts each year, which equals over 1.4 million people. As well, approximately 411,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 have serious suicidal thoughts annually.
What Kind of Treatment for Mental Illnesses Works Best?
Which level of care works best for a person depends on their mental illness, the length and severity of their symptoms, and their treatment goals. Some people do best in a residential program where they live temporarily while receiving round-the-clock care that includes physical and emotional support. Others opt for outpatient plans that don’t require a person to move. Instead, they travel to the facility for their appointments, which can run from several hours per day to once or twice per week.
What Therapies Work Best for Mental Health Disorders?
One of the benefits of attending a licensed treatment program for mental health disorders is the access it provides to multiple types of therapy modalities. The individual’s treatment team can match the person with the types of therapy that will give them the best results. Common therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- EMDR
- Psychological Diagnosis
- Equine Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Holistic Therapy
- Stress Reduction Therapy
- Psychiatry + Medication Management
- Education & Career Counseling
Begin Treatment for Mental Health Disorders at The Meadowglade
Have you reviewed our California mental health statistics and find that you fit the criteria for someone who can benefit from seeking professional treatment? The Meadowglade employs a caring and talented staff of mental health professionals who help you learn to manage and minimize many of your symptoms and enjoy a more controlled and relaxed outlook on life. We also provide access to prescription medications to help ease the symptoms of mental illnesses.
Contact us today with any questions you have and to enroll quickly in one of our programs. Let us provide you with a free insurance verification to help you understand your financial options.