An Overview of Mental Health in Vacaville, California
Located along I-80, about halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento, Vacaville is a town that defies a lot of California stereotypes. Like much of the state, it is nestled in stunning natural beauty, but in contrast to cities like LA and SF, it is relatively more affordable and relaxed. The population of 100,032 enjoys a median home value of $322,600 and median income of $76,188, according to the latest statistics from the US Census Bureau. From the rolling hills of Logan Valley Park to the wineries of Sonoma and Napa to the newly redeveloped Nut Tree shopping complex, Vacaville has much to offer its residents.
Mental health disorders are among the most common chronic illnesses Americans and Californians face. While depression, anxiety and family and marriage challenges are common reasons people may seek counseling, here are a few situations prevalent in Vacaville.
- Suicide: Northern California has one of the highest suicide rates in the state. Although there is more awareness around resources available – such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline open 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 – more needs to be done to help those who are struggling.
- Substance Abuse and Addiction: A recent community health needs assessment noted concerns about drug and alcohol abuse and addiction in the region. During and after recovery, addicts can often benefit from mental health services to help maintain sobriety.
- Divorce: While not all states report divorce rates, there is a common understanding that the rate of divorce in California is higher than in the rest of the country. Around 13% of Vacaville’s adult residents are divorced, which is higher than several surrounding cities. Divorce, or any marriage or family difficulty, can have a considerable impact on the mental health of everyone in the family.
- Natural Disaster: It seems as though wildfires are becoming more prevalent and more disastrous every year. Parts of Northern California have been severely affected. The stress and fear associated with a spreading fire, having to evacuate, damaged property and rebuilding require special care. Anyone working to contain the fires should also pay close attention to their mental health, as well as their physical health, as they work.
Mental Health Resources in Vacaville
Unfortunately, there is a growing shortage of mental health resources in the state of California. The California Health Resources and Services Administration forecasts that the state will have a shortage of between 729 and 1,848 psychiatrists by 2025. Due to this shortage and other factors, a frightening number of adults and children do not receive the mental health services they need.
There are resources available in Vacaville, however. Residents of the city can access a range of licensed professional clinical counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed social workers and psychotherapists who can provide support. You can choose from a male or female counselor and from English or Spanish for your preferred language. These counselors are experienced in various types of treatment and can customize them to your needs.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-Focused Techniques
- Family Systems Modalities
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Performance Psychology
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Somatic Psychotherapy
They have experience working with a wide array of mental illnesses and backgrounds including post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleep disorders, relationship issues, anger management, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, grief and more.
The Challenge of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Vacaville
The lack of available mental health providers is a significant obstacle for many in the state of California. Even if there are licensed therapists in your community, it may be hard to access their services for other reasons.
There is still some stigma associated with getting help for mental illnesses, but the state’s focus on treating mental health as important as physical health should help change this stigma overtime.
Cost is frequently an issue as well, especially for the 7.8% of Vacaville residents who don’t have insurance and the 9.9% living in poverty. If cost is a hurdle, please don’t give up. There may be free or sliding scale resources available from local non-profits and community organizations.
You Can Find Help in Vacaville
Deciding to seek the help of a therapist can be scary but know that it is the right thing to do. Whatever you are going through deserves the kind and non-judgmental attention of an experienced counselor. You are not alone. The directory of counselors at E-Counseling can help you find the support you deserve.
