Overview of Mental Health Resources in Ventura, California
For many, the city of Ventura, California (officially known as San Buenaventura) serves as the pinnacle of west coast living. 2017 statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau report an impressive 110,790 people live within the city limits. More notably, the population is increasing at a steady amount per year – about five percent every decade or so. Given the appealing characteristics of the city, it is not surprising to see people clambering to live there. Amenities, like grocery stores and gas stations, are abundant and easy to access. People who favor walking or biking places should be happy to know most Ventura neighborhoods are adequately walkable.
The most common motivating factor behind a family’s decision to move to Ventura, California is identical to every other major American city. Job opportunities, like a raise in pay or a new job altogether tend to be why people move their domiciles to new locations. However, not everyone attempting to participate in the labor market is able to find a job. Those that are able to land employment are not always able to maintain it – especially with layoffs being a frequent occurrence.
Many families in the Ventura area live paycheck to paycheck or struggle to find work, period. But Ventura’s economic problems are ancillary to another intricate widespread issue. Experts are saying the city is currently going through a “mental health crisis.” Let’s break down what that means, why the situation is so poor in Ventura, and what you can do to get in contact with a licensed therapist who can help if you are in need.
Unfortunately, the overall mental health of the United States is deteriorating, similar to every other developed nation. Chances are, you probably know someone struggling with mental illness if not yourself. An especially alarming study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates a whopping 50 percent of Americans are diagnosed with a mental illness at one point or another during their life. Narrowing the scope of the statistics fails to yield more hopeful results. As per a 2017 study from Mental Health America, the state of California ranks amongst the top 50 percent of states regarding prevalence of mental illness and lack of access to care. So, what is causing Ventura’s mental health crisis to be so extreme?
First of all, the city of Ventura has a significant crime problem. As per the most recent statistics from the FBI, the overall crime rate in the city is 32 percent higher than the national average. Illegal activities involving violence disproportionately occur in Ventura relative to the rest of the country. Unfortunately, research indicates the presence of a strong link between crime and mental illness. Areas which enjoy less crime also see fewer instances of mental health conditions. While officials are attempting to combat the problem of crime, results are not going to come to fruition overnight. In the meantime, it is not a doubt that the area’s high rate of crime is negatively impacting the community’s mental health.
California’s high divorce rate is also a likely culprit. Some claim the rate of divorced individuals is the highest in the country in California. Roughly 60 percent of Californian marriages end in separation. It is no secret spousal separation can have a profound influence on the mental health of everyone involved, including children. If you feel your relationship is at risk of dissolution, it is best to reach out to a therapist before making any permanent, life-altering decisions.
The Trouble of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Ventura, California
A harsh reality many people across the country are facing is the often-troublesome nature of finding a suitable therapist. Unbeknownst to many, not many people are able to get treatment. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates almost 60 percent of mentally ill Americans receive no treatment during a given year, regardless of the necessity to do so. Experts are somewhat blaming the nationwide shortage of mental health professionals as being the reason so few people receive mental health care.
In the case of Ventura, in particular, people are pointing fingers at ineffective public policy, poverty, and stigma as being barriers to care. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the number of people without any form of health insurance as being roughly five percent higher than the national average. Undoubtedly, a good portion of these people is low-income earners. For them, the out-of-pocket expense of therapy is not a financially solvent option.
Mental Health Resources in Ventura, California
Thanks to attention from both state and federal entities, more funds are being directed towards initiatives aimed at combatting mental illness. Residents of Ventura are fortunate in having so many options to choose from. The Aurora Vista Del Mar Hospital is a local psychiatric hospital providing a bevy of services to those in need living in the area. Ventura County Behavioral Health is a medical clinic offering treatment solutions and resources similar to the aforementioned hospital.
E-Counseling.com’s therapist directory was created to help those in need of mental health assistance via counseling find trusted professionals in their areas. Settle for the best experience by using our directory to find a therapist fit just for you.
