From CalMatters Health Reporter Anna B. Ybarra:
There are perhaps few issues more pressing in California than the growing mental health crisis. But doctors, patients and advocates in California’s mental health system say that despite the state’s continued efforts to improve, much of today’s fragmented system is not working for people. I agree with that.
That sentiment was front and center at a CalMatters half-day forum moderated by Project and Mental Health correspondents in San Francisco on Wednesday. jocelyn wiener.
In his keynote address, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg spoke about his decades of public service leadership, including: Permanent housing for people in need of mental services and state millionaire taxes To fund mental health services.recently california The $6.4 billion plan was approved by a narrow margin. This would allow some of the tax revenue to be directed towards housing rather than other services. Steinberg noted that the challenges to getting people off the streets and into treatment go beyond money.
- Steinberg: “I actually don’t think more money is the only answer, and it may not even be the primary answer. The system is still broken. …Think about it for a second. California We have five or six separate mental health systems, and they don’t necessarily coordinate or coordinate with each other.”
The two-panel event also explored workforce challenges. As the state’s mental health needs increase, therapists, psychologists, social workers and other providers continue to be in short supply.
- Hilary KuninsDirector of Behavioral Health Services at the San Francisco Department of Public Health: “We’re putting money into the program…but that program is not operating at full capacity. That means we’re not working as hard as we can with funding because of the workforce shortage.” We can’t take care of all the people who are there.”It’s really serious.”
Rates of anxiety and depression in children are skyrocketing. Advocates and leaders said helping children requires more focused investment, compassion and looking in the mirror.
- Sohil SudA pediatrician and director of the state’s Child and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, he has heard children say about adults: I think we have to keep all of that in mind as we move forward. ”
you can see event here.
