According to the California Healthcare Foundation: “Nearly 1 in 6 California adults has a mental health need, and approximately 1 in 20 suffers from a serious mental illness that makes it difficult to carry out major life activities. The rate among children is even higher: 1 in 13 suffers from a mental illness that limits participation in daily activities.” With California’s Medicaid expansion program; people are hoping these statistics will change but it will take years before anyone can see the full effects. Before diving into the hard statistics, it is important to take a look at how mental health is changing in California.
“Currently, federal rules limit drug treatment centers’ ability to get reimbursed under Medicaid for residential care. Clinics with more than 16 beds essentially cannot get paid, except for treating pregnant and postpartum women. That restriction will be dropped for California under the waiver. … Now, Medi-Cal beneficiaries will be able to access up to two 90-day residential stays each year (with a possibility of one 30-day extension) if providers determine that it is medically necessary. Certain populations, including those in the criminal justice system, can get approval for longer stays,” according to an article.
Taking a deeper look into the statistics
Drug statistics in California
Substance abuse issues in California are no different than the mental health problems the state houses. Obtaining a medicinal marijuana card is as easy as obtaining a Costco card, leading to an even greater abuse of marijuana. Take a look at the facts.
So where do we go from here?
The statistics on mental health and substance abuse in California are staggering and clearly there needs to be a call to action. As California residents, we can do a couple of things. We can educate ourselves on this epidemic and learn where the closest mental health centers and rehab centers are. We can look for signs of mental illness and substance abuse in our loved ones and educate them on seeking help. We can educate ourselves on the laws and when election years come, we can vote accordingly. Starting at the grassroots level might be the only way we can help, but it is a start.
Sovereign Health of California has several locations in the state and provides treatment for substance addiction, mental illnesses, and co-occurring conditions. For more information, feel free to call our 24/7 helpline.
Written by Kristen Fuller, M.D., Sovereign Health Group writer
For more information and other inquiries about this article, contact the author at news@sovhealth.com.