Golden State Crisis: Half of Californians Who Need Mental Health Services Are Not Getting Treatment

SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 1 in 6 adults in California has a mental health need, and approximately 1 in 20 suffers from a serious mental illness. The rate among children is even higher: 1 in 13 suffers from a mental illness that limits participation in daily activities. This translates to over one million adults who live with serious mental illness, and almost half a million children with serious mental health conditions. 

Even more alarming is the fact that about half of adults and two-thirds of adolescents with mental health needs in California do not get treatment.

"We are facing a crisis in our state," said Patricia Ravitz, president of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. "The most common reason people do not seek treatment is the stigma that remains attached to mental health issues. It is not a sign of weakness to seek help for emotional issues, it is a sign of courage and strength."

What are the signs that someone needs treatment?

• Inability to perform one's daily responsibilities
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Extreme changes in eating habits, eating more or less than usual
• Reliance on a substance, such as drugs, alcohol or food to cope with stress
• Inability to enjoy favorite activities

Commonly experienced mental health issues include anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How can a person find help?

• Visit CounselingCalifornia.com to find a licensed marriage and family therapist
• Ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist
• Confide in a friend or loved one that that you need help. You don't have to go through it alone.

About California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT):
CAMFT is an independent professional organization of over 32,000 members representing Marriage and Family Therapists. It is dedicated to advancing the profession, maintaining high standards of professional ethics, upholding the qualifications for the profession and expanding awareness of the mental health treatment provided by Marriage and Family Therapists for individuals, couples and families. For more information, contact CAMFT at www.camft.org.

About CounselingCalifornia.com: 
CounselingCalifornia.com is California's lifeline to finding a Marriage and Family Therapist who can help manage life's challenges. At its heart, CounselingCalifornia.com contains a comprehensive searchable directory of thousands of Marriage and Family Therapists. For more information on mental health issues and access an online directory of therapists, visit www.CounselingCalifornia.com.

SOURCE California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Related Links

http://www.camft.org