Clovis, California Therapists

Overview of Mental Health Resources in Clovis, California

Clovis, California, has a unique set of mental health care needs. The area has seen a significant spike in mental illness. It is also currently understaffed to serve those needs. The Valley has the lowest number of mental health care providers and the highest rate of mental illness in the state. This gives Clovis a unique set of issues in servicing those with mental health needs.

One in 20 adults in the state of California suffers from a serious mental illness. This means an illness that significantly affects their lives on a day-to-day basis. In San Joaquin Valley, that number is even higher. Percentages for adults range from 5.1 percent in Fresno to 7 percent in Madera County.

There are several reasons for this spike in mental health conditions. Experts cite poverty rates and rural living that make many feel isolated and cut off from help. But the primary reason is probably lack of access to mental health care treatment. The area has few treatment facilities and has health care laws that put limits on care.

Effects of Education, Divorce, Poverty, and Other Contributing Factors

Substance abuse is growing in Clovis, a significant contributing factor to mental illness. Nearby Fresno is the capital city of intravenous drug use. It has three times more drug use than the national average. The area is heavily dependent on “hard” drugs, such as meth, cocaine, and heroin. Meth is a particular leader since the Valley is home to roughly 80 percent of the country’s meth cartels.

These drug rates contribute to the high levels of drug-related diseases in the area. Rates of hepatitis C are 75 percent to the national average of two percent. HIV rates for the area have also sprung up roughly 17 percent in recent years. About a quarter of local inhabitants use illicit drugs. At the turn of the last decade, there was a 20 percent increase in teens abusing prescription drugs.

The area is also home to high poverty and unemployment rates. San Joaquin Valley is home to some of the poorest individuals in the United States. 2012 estimates put unemployment in Fresno County at 16 percent. A quarter of the population lives below the poverty level.

Clovis’ education rates are lower than the national average. About 30 percent of residents in the area have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Education rates have an indirect effect on mental health. This is because more highly educated people tend to be more active in seeking mental health care.

Divorce rates in Clovis are about 11.3 percent. Divorce creates unique mental health care needs, including family and marital counseling.

Mental Health Resources in Clovis

There are enormous mental health needs in Clovis and a significant lack of resources. Despite this, the Valley has a growing movement to supply more mental health care. It is home to one inpatient mental health facility, the Community Behavioral Health Center. This facility has 61 beds for psychiatric care. It offers a variety of therapies, medication plans, and group and individual counseling.

San Joaquin Valley is also home to a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The organization offers therapy, social services, psychiatric rehabilitation, substance abuse counseling, and medication. It also offers housing and employment opportunities. Additionally, NAMI offers educational and prevention outreach. This aims to build family support and community understanding of mental illness.

Mental health services in Clovis are growing. These include doctors, therapists, counseling centers, and hospitals. They offer many different services, including therapy, psychiatric care, and medication. Many public programs also offer resources for housing and employment. These programs are designed to serve the unique needs of residents of Clovis.