An Overview of Mental Health in Alhambra, California
Read any review of life in Alhambra and the food scene is sure to be mentioned. With a cultural diversity spanning immigrants from China, Vietnam, Mexico and more, this diverse city of 85,396 is welcoming and open-minded. Although it is slowly urbanizing, this San Gabriel Valley town is still relaxed, low-key and safe.
At just twenty minutes to downtown LA (isn’t everything in LA just 20 minutes away?) and Pasadena, there are plenty of nearby job opportunities for residents. The stunning shores of the Pacific Coast are not too far either. Housing and rent is also a little more affordable than other parts of Los Angeles County, making it ideal for people living on their own, young couples just starting out and older residents looking for retirement communities.
Mental Health in Alhambra
Mental health is one of main chronic illnesses that Californians have to cope with. Life in Alhambra has its own unique challenges as well.
- Difficulty that Foreign-Born Residents Face in US: 6% of residents in Alhambra were born outside of the US. Foreign-born residents may find they need additional support to adapt to life in a new country and culture.
- Poverty: The poverty in the Alhambra at 1% is higher than that of California and the US. Research points to a causal relationship between poverty and mental health difficulties, although the effects of poverty are complex.
- Chronic Illness: In a community health needs assessment (CHNA), chronic illnesses such as diabetes and STDs/HIV/AIDS ranked high among health concerns. Those with chronic illnesses and their families and caretakers may require mental health services along with additional treatments.
- Obesity: Obesity is another top health concern in LA county per the CHNA. The 36% of adults who are overweight or obese may be vulnerable to both mental and physical health challenges.
- Substance Abuse and Addiction: Substance abuse continues to be a problem in LA county. For anyone dealing with the effects of addiction, mental health services may be able to help.
Mental Health Resources in Alhambra
There is a shortage of mental health resources in California that is projected to get worse. By 2025, the state is expected to lack as many as 1,848 psychiatrists, based on research from the California Health Resources and Services Administration. As a result, many Californians do not receive the help they need.
Despite these state-wide shortages, there is a range of licensed family and marriage therapists, licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional clinical counselors who serve the Alhambra area. These counselors draw from a variety of therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused, family systems, client centered, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness.
They have helped clients navigate complex trauma and abuse, LGBTQ issues, spirituality, identity formation, stress, grief, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, intimacy-related issues, anger managements and career difficulties. They also have experience helping clients manage and recover from anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar disorder and eating disorders.
No matter what challenges you face in life, your therapist will work with you to develop an approach that works best for your specific situation.
The Challenge of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Alhambra
In addition to the general shortage of mental health services in California, there are other financial-based obstacles to obtaining care for many in Alhambra. For the 11.7% of residents who don’t have health insurance and the 15.1% living in poverty, the cost of mental health services may seem prohibitive.
These residents should look into community organizations and non-profits that may offer alternative means to get counseling services and support. They may offer sliding scale treatments or free help lines and support groups which can be invaluable to those who need immediate help.
Language may also be a barrier for the 72.8% of Alhmabra residents who speak a language other than English. While more healthcare providers are providing services in Spanish, the second highest non-English language spoken in Alhambra, the Chinese and Vietnamese speakers may have a harder time finding the services they need.
Find a Therapist in Alhambra
In order to make the process of finding a care provider a little easier, check out our online therapist directory. The list includes therapists in the Alhambra area who are experienced and qualified in providing kind and non-judgmental care no matter what you are going through.
