Find Therapists and Counselors in Oceanside, California

Overview of Mental Health Resources in Oceanside, California

Oceanside in San Diego County, California is a coastal city.  According to the last report in 2010 by the U.S. Census, there was a population of 167,086 and it is estimated to be at 173,829 for 2017.  Almost 20% of the population is foreign-born.  The city is proud of restoring its historical houses and the ample amounts of activities that occur on its lengthy beach strip.  The Census states that Oceanside has a total area of 42.2 square miles.  The climate is semi-arid with maritime winds.  The median household income in 2016 was $58,949 and 11.6% were below the poverty line.  The top employers are Tri-City Medical Center, the City of Oceanside, and Mira Costa College.  One of the main attractions of the city is the Oceanside Pier, which is one of the longest wooden piers on the western U.S. coastline.  The Turkey Trot draws an estimate of 10,000 runners and walkers from 46 states and 8 different countries.  They have been host to Race Across America since 2006.  This 3000 mile bicycle race is considered to be the world’s toughest sporting event.  And they host The Beach Soccer Championships.  This festival is the largest on the west coast.  Oceanside has been the home of many professional athletes and notable people.

The number of people divorced is estimated to be at 12% in 2017.  It is challenging to find an accurate rate of divorce, since the U.S. Census made the submissions voluntary and California stopped reporting the statistics after the year 1990.   The U.S. rate in the same timeframe is estimated to be at 3.2 per 1000 population.  As you can see, Oceanside has a very high divorce rate.  The speculation of causes is that it is a strong military family community and that stress can detrimentally affect a marriage.

City Concerns

For the past 25 years, the state of California has been losing psychiatric and behavioral health care providers.  The closing of Oceanside’s Tri-City Hospital has a damaging impact on the community’s ability to care for those with mental health disorders.  The funding has been cut and California’s regulations on building new facilities have become too expensive.  Hospitals and police have been needed to cover the gaps.

The San Diego County is a proud military community.  The stigma of mental health makes it difficult for Veterans to feel that they can ask for help.  According to the VA San Diego Healthcare System, 12% of Veterans are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and almost 20,000 Veterans are receiving care for this condition since 2010.  The county also recognizes that approximately 50% of those incarcerated had a mental health condition prior to committing illegal behavior and it has the highest rate of recidivism in the state of California.

It is estimated that there are 298 mental health professionals for every 100,000 people in San Diego County.

How We Can Help

We hope that our research can make it easier for you to find an ideal provider for yourself and / or a loved one.  Please list your conditions, how long you have had them, and any other concerns that you may have to review with a prospective counselor.  It is helpful to note other aspects as well, such as any relationship issues, workplace stress, and the goals that you would like to achieve through therapy.

Crisis Intervention

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has help when you need it 24 hours per day and 7 days a week.  It is confidential and free.

Courage to Call is a free, confidential, Veteran-staffed 24/7 helpline dedicated to assisting active duty military personnel, Veterans, and their loved ones.

Nonprofit Organizations

North Coastal Mental Health Center provides mental health services and substance abuse treatment to young adults, adults, and older adults.  Services are available for individuals who are not insured and for those who need a sliding scale payment program

Mental Health Systems serves the San Diego County area by providing mental health and substance abuse treatment.  They offer services to people who cannot afford private services or for whom appropriate services are not otherwise available.  They have outpatient, residential, and home-based services to children, youth, adults, senior adults, Veterans and military families, and adult offenders with mental health issues.

Health & Human Services Agency offers mental health services for children, youth, adults, and senior adults.

Mental Health Association in San Diego County provides mental health services and programs to adults and Veterans, including an adult day program for those who suffer from mental illness.

Mente Sana-Cuerpo Sano is a nonprofit organization serving the Latino community for crisis intervention and mental health.

E-counseling Directory

We thank you for visiting our website to help you move towards stronger mental and emotional health.   We hope that you found valuable resources in our directory and that this is one step closer to getting you the support that you need.