Torrance, California Therapists

An Overview of Mental Health in Torrance California

Planned as a mixed-use, residential, and light industrial technology community in the early 1900s, Torrence is home to over 147,000 people in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County and sits just 20 miles from downtown. Because of its Mediterranean-like climate, Torrance hosts several outdoor attractions including Torrance Beach, Madrona Marsh Nature Center, South Coast Botanic Garden, and the scenic Los Robles Rocketship Park.

Significant employers in the area include American Honda Motor Company, Robinson Helicopters, Honeywell, Pelican products, and Arconic fasteners. Because of the number of relatively good-paying companies in the area, Torrance residents enjoy a median household income higher than the surrounding area including Los Angeles.

Mental Health Statistics for Torrance

Having a sense that everything is going to be just fine or a general sense of well-being are hallmarks of good mental health. Sadly, mental health, homelessness, and substance abuse are ranked 4 out of 5, indicating that the need to improve in these areas of the community is severe. These rankings made substance abuse and mental health the number one and two priorities, respectively, according to the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital Community Health Needs Assessment.

People don’t seek mental health services for a variety of reasons including the stigma of possibly being labeled as mentally ill. This one facet alone accounts for more people not getting the help they need nationwide. Other factors include access to care, mostly from a financial standpoint, and the inability to see that they suffer from a mental illness (denial).

What Makes Torrance Unique When it Comes to Mental Health?

There are a variety of factors that make Torrance citizens susceptible to mental health issues. These factors range from traffic and length of commutes to sky-high cost of living stressors.

• Though residents of Torrance earn a higher than average (for the area) income, the cost of housing has become a concern in recent years. A direct link between mental health and financial stress is a cause for concern.
• Los Angeles and surrounding communities such as Torrance are known for their high cost of housing. The median home cost in Torrance is $653,000.
• The median household income is $81,000.
• Southern California researchers have linked congested traffic to mental illness, including but not limited to acute aggressiveness.
• A study conducted in Los Angeles County, where Torrance is located, showed an increase in domestic violence, partially attributed to sitting in traffic.

Divorce Rate in Torrance

Torrance has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country at just 8.5 percent. California alimony and child support laws may account for some people deciding to stay together. As much as 40 percent of the top earner’s income may be garnished, and that amount is on top of any child support payments. One could say that California is tough on divorce.

The low divorce rate may also be the result of the median age of Torrance residents – nearly 42 years old. There are also plenty of marriage and premarital counselors in the area to help couples find nonlegal solutions to their marriage problems, or help educate couples before marriage in the case of premarital counseling.

Mental Health Resources in Torrance

Currently, there are more than 272 mental health professionals per 100k people in Torrance, California. That’s roughly one professional per 367 people in the city limits. Although California in general is considered to have a minor shortage of therapists, the availability of therapists in Torrance is well above the minimum national threshold.

There are a plethora of hospitals, centers, and clinics helping to treat mental health issues in Torrance, and the greater Los Angeles area, so you’re sure to find someone willing to work with you. There are also a variety of non-profit organizations available to those without sufficient insurance coverage and for those without insurance altogether.

Challenges of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Torrance

There are over 250 mental health providers service Torrance and they’re all easy to find online. There are thousands more serving the 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Nearly all of them come with high review ratings and promise to be the one person who can help you get through the tough times.

Deciding which therapist is right for you amidst all the noise found online, short of meeting face to face can be a difficult task. Certainly, your primary care doctor and even your insurance are more than willing to slip a few names your way. But none of them know if the professional you meet with will be a good match for you in achieving your mental health goals.