Statistics on adults seeking and receiving treatment for self-identified mental/emotional or alcohol/drug issues in the past year from the California Health Interview Survey are now available on RaceCounts.org. These pooled estimates, from the years 2011-17, speak to the barriers people face accessing services for mental health issues.
Performance: Santa Cruz County had the highest rate of adults getting help after seeking it, with 66% getting help, compared to 58.2% statewide. Imperial County had the lowest rate: 42.2% of adults sought and got help in 2011-17.
Disparity: Kern County produced the most racially disparate outcomes for access to mental and behavioral health care. Only 35.7% of Latino/a residents who sought help received it, compared to 60.1% of non-Latino/a White residents of Kern County.
Impact: An estimated 2.78 million Californians sought help for mental or behavioral health issues and received it. Non-Latino/a White residents make up the majority of those who sought and got help. Click here for data.