An Overview of Mental Health in Aliso Viejo, California
First incorporated into Orange County in 2001, Aliso Viejo, California is a small city that covers an area of 7.47 square miles. As of July 2019, the city has an estimated population of 51,783 people. 71 percent of residents are white, 19.1 percent Hispanic, 15 percent Asian, and 2 percent African American. 21.6 percent of people living in Aliso Viejo are foreign-born. The median household income of the city is much higher than average at $108,558, and only 4.2 percent of people are living in poverty.
Like most cities located in Orange County, Aliso Viejo boasts warm temperatures all year long. With averages in the mid-60s to 70s, residents can comfortably enjoy spending time outdoors. Fortunately, Laguna Beach is close by, where people can bask in the sun, admire the landscape, and enjoy a variety of water activities. The Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is home to many different types of wildlife. There is a wide variety of activities for individuals to enjoy within the city including unique restaurants, wine tasting, museums, entertainment, and more. The city is also only less than an hour’s drive away from Disneyland.
Divorce Rates in Aliso Viejo
In total, 12.3 percent of adults are divorced in Aliso Viejo and 55.5 percent of adults are married. While only 9.2 percent of men in the city are divorced, 15 percent of women are divorced. The divorce rate is highest for African Americans at 24.6 percent.
For couples experiencing problems in their relationship, marriage counseling can help the couple learn better communication skills and work through existing issues. While marriage counseling must be accompanied by the effort put forth outside of sessions to be truly successful, a 2011 study by the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy found that couple therapy had a positive impact on 70 percent of couples.
If an individual in the relationship is living with a mental illness, it can also be beneficial for the relationship if the person seeks treatment for their condition. One study looking at the effects of mental disorders on marriage and divorce found that all of the 18 tested mental disorders have a positive association with divorce and 14 out of 18 are associated with a lower likelihood of ever marrying. The three disorders with the highest risk of both divorce and never marrying were specific phobia, major depression, and alcohol abuse.
Mental Health Statistics in Aliso Viejo
While a low poverty rate can be a good indicator that there is a low prevalence of mental illness in Aliso Viejo, no city is entirely free of mental health concerns. In Orange County, approximately 3.6 percent of adults had a serious mental illness and 7.3 percent of children had a serious emotional disturbance in 2014. There are several other notable statistics about the state of mental health in Aliso Viejo and the surrounding area:
- In Orange County, there was a rate of 3.7 counselors, 15 psychiatrists, and 35 psychologists for every 100,000 people.
- The five most commonly abused substances in Aliso Viejo include cocaine, meth, alcohol, marijuana, and heroin. 35.1 percent of adults in Orange County reported binge drinking in 2014.
- Between the years 2011 and 2013, there were 306 suicides in Orange County, for a rate of 10 suicides every 100,000 people. Suicide was the tenth most common cause of death in the county.
- In 2014, 14.9 percent of adults needed help with mental or substance-related issues and 11.1 percent off adults needed to take prescription medicine for a mental health issue. 55.3 percent of adults who sought help did not receive treatment.
Mental Health Resources in Aliso Viejo
Dealing with mental health problems can be very overwhelming and can make you feel like you’re alone in your struggles. If you find yourself struggling with depression, a substance abuse disorder, extreme anxiety, or other common issues, there are several resources available to residents in Aliso Viejo that can help. Here are a few numbers to call if you are in need of immediate help or want more information about services in your area:
