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Looking at the name of the city of Ontario, one might conclude that it can be found in Canada. But, don’t be fooled. In California, there is a bustling, sunny city named Ontario. As per 2017 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the current population sits at approximately 176,000 people. Relative to cities of similar sizes, Ontario has an impressive population. It’s also growing at a steady rate comparable to other popular areas. Since the 2010 Census, the number of people living in Ontario has grown by almost ten percent.
People know the city of Ontario for its fantastically convenient location. There is a bevy of amenities, ranging from hair salons to fine eateries on almost every corner. In fact, one of the go-to tourist spots in the city is Ontario’s massive shopping mall, the Ontario Mills Mall.
The primary motivation behind moving to Ontario, California is a job opportunity. That’s the number one reason people choose to move anywhere. That being said, not everyone who applies for a job will get that job. Moreover, even if someone does a get a job, there is no guarantee they will maintain it. Company layoffs threaten thousands of Americans, and Ontario is no different. The job market in and around the city is actually quite poor. The unemployment rate in Ontario is 33 percent higher than the national average. However, the lackluster economic situation is just part of a larger, more complex problem. Ontario is experiencing what experts are calling a “mental health crisis.” Let’s take an in-depth look at Ontario, California’s mental health status-quo, what is causing the apparent crisis, and how you can seek out and get in contact with a therapist if you are in need of help.
Unfortunately for members of the Ontario, California community, the mental health situation in the area is not stellar. The city has high rates of mental illness compared to the rest of the nation. Alarmingly high rates of mental illness are problems that stretch beyond Ontario. For example, the state of California ranks in the top 50 percent of states regarding the prevalence of adults with mental illnesses, as per a 2017 report published by Mental Health America. In this context, mental illness can refer to a wide array of disorders ranging in severity. For example, anything from clinical depression and anxiety to schizophrenia. So, what is contributing to and exacerbating the problem?
Firstly, let’s expand on the issue of employment, which was mentioned earlier. According to statistics sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, the city’s unemployment rate is 33 percent higher than the rest of the nation. Unemployment in a society has the potential to cause some serious damage to the economic well-being of its citizenry. Regrettably, that’s exactly the case in Ontario. Widespread unemployment has resulted in many people in the city’s limits living in abject poverty. In fact, the average income per capita in Ontario is 34 percent lower than the rest of the United States. Studies tell us of an undeniable statistical link between areas with relatively high rates of poverty and areas with high rates of mental illness.
Another community-wide problem facing Ontario is the school system itself. The average test score of an Ontario student is ten percent lower than the average Californian student. In the city, the average test score is 27 percent, as per the statistics put out by the school district. The national average is 49 percent. Experts blame abysmally low-test scores on things like not having enough funding, too many students per teacher, and school overcrowding. The poor education being received by Ontario students is impacting the overall mental health of the area. Researchers tell us that individuals who receive a sub-par education are more likely to experience mental health problems.
Another problem plaguing Ontario’s mental health landscape is divorce. The national divorce rate is roughly 50 percent. In California, that number inflates to 60 percent, one of the highest in the nation. Officials in Ontario suspect it to be even higher. It’s no secret that divorce breeds mental health problems. Divorce is one of the top three most common reasons people end up homeless, for example. Before making a permanent decision, it’s recommended to reach out and attend counseling sessions, if you feel your relationship is in jeopardy.
The trouble that accompanies finding a therapist is something many people experience. Oftentimes, people are overwhelmed with the process itself. When in therapy, it is recommended to create a list of reasonable goals you wish to attain during your time spent. Furthermore, it’s also important to recognize the falsity of stigmas that surround mental health while acknowledging the benefits therapy provides.
Ontario residents aren’t the only people feeling the pain of not being able to seek out a therapist for treatment. According to a Mental Health America study, a majority (56 percent) of Americans with mental illnesses do not receive any treatment. According to experts, a lack of care generally stems from poorly crafted policy, poverty, and the nationwide shortage of mental health professionals who provide treatment.
The rate of uninsured people in Ontario, California is more than double the national average of 8.8 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The fact that so many people in the area are uninsured coupled with the high rates of people living below the federal poverty level is a recipe for a mental health disaster. Out of pocket treatment simply is not an option for many in tough financial situations.
Thankfully, those who are looking for professional help with mental health have many options at their disposal. Quite a few renowned Ontario institutions focus a great deal of effort on mental health services. For example, the Mental Health Systems Clinic offers a variety of useful programs to residents in the area struggling with substance abuse and other problems. Also, the Kaiser Permanente Ontario Mental Health Offices grants patients access to world-class mental health care.
E-Counseling.com’s therapist directory was created to help those in need of mental health assistance via counseling find trusted professionals in your area. Settle for the best experience by using our directory to find a therapist fit just for you.
