Overview of Mental Health Resources in Oxnard, California
Oxnard is a relatively wealthy city nestled within Ventura County, Ca. Residents earn, on average, far more than the national income. However, the city does not represent the wealthiest area in California. Residents face multiple triggers for mental health problems, including a 16.3% poverty rate.
The population estimate for 2016 was 204, 752 people. The median age was 31, a few years younger than the state median. The median income is $61, 709. Unemployment is low, with 95,057 workers living in the city.
11.7% of the population aged 25 or older have at least a bachelor’s degree. This is significantly lower than the national average of 33.4%. There are multiple universities in the area.
Oxnard Economy
Oxnard has a thriving economy based on multiple industries. The economy is centered on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The city’s healthy business environment has contributed to its steady population growth. Oxnard is significantly larger now than it was when it was first incorporated in 1903.
Research shows that unemployment and poverty are closely linked to mental health issues. Oxnard is in an unusual position. Its residents are wealthy compared to the rest of the country but not compared to some of their California neighbors. This can cause stress.
Relative wealth matters more than anything else. Psychological studies have shown that people compare themselves to those around them.
Oxnard residents, therefore, may still suffer from poverty-related problems even though their absolute income is high.
Oxnard crime
Although the murder rate for Ventura County decreased overall in 2017, Oxnard saw a slight increase. 15 homicides were recorded in Oxnard in 2017, three more than the previous year.
The city’s police have stepped up their patrolling efforts in an attempt to stem the violence. As city officials explained to the press, aggravated assaults were decreased by 9.4% in 2017.
Part of the city’s plan to reduce violent crime is to increase community outreach efforts to low-income and at-risk youths.
Oxnard Mental Health
Oxnard residents are part of the California health system, which has become increasingly strained. Hospitalization rates for mental health issues are on the rise for Americans of all ages. However, the state’s mental health funding has not kept pace.
In the past 23 years, California’s population has grown by more than seven million. The state’s facilities for mental health patients, meanwhile, decreased over the same time period. People suffering from mental health problems often end up in the emergency room because they’re unable to find treatment.
A report found that nearly one in six California adults suffers from a serious mental health problem. At least half of those people are not seeking treatment.
Oxnard Mental Health Resources
Oxnard residents with mental health needs have access to a wide variety of therapists. However, patients often face long waits for appointments. California has fewer beds for psychiatric patients per capita than is typical for the country. This makes it difficult for patients to receive proper care.
Oxnard is a fairly large city, so residents do have options for their mental health treatment. There aren’t enough psychiatric beds to meet the need but there are enough to help some people. There are multiple numbers that Oxnard residents can call if they need help.
The city might not be doing enough. For the past few years, crime in Oxnard has been increasing rather than decreasing. City officials recognize the problem, which is a step in the right direction.
Use our Therapist Directory
Searching for the right therapist can be a long, tedious process. In areas like Oxnard where there a lot of licensed professionals to choose from, it can be really difficult to sort through them on your own. Our therapist directory can help. We’ve already categorized the region’s therapists, allowing you to organize the list of providers based on select criteria. Choosing the right therapist increases the chances that you’ll be happy with the treatment that you receive.
