Counseling in Sacramento, CA. Find the Right Therapist.

Related Sites:
City of Sacramento
California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Therapy Sacremento California

Counseling Boulevard Park, Downtown, East Sacramento, Midtown, Newton Booth, Old Sacramento, Elmhurst, River Park, Oak Park, Pocket, Curtis Park, North Sacramento, Natomas

Sacramento is the Capital City of the state of California, situated along the Sacramento River and south of the American River’s confluence in the Central Valley.¹  In the early 1800s a Spanish explorer named the city after the Spanish term ‘sacrament’. With a population of nearly half a million, the city is the core cultural and economic location of a four-county metropolitan area population of over two million including El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo.   The Greater city area has been noted as the most liveable and integrated region, and the largest Metropolitan area in the Central Valley. Home to numerous families and children, it is the fourth-largest city behind Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay and San Diego.  The original Old Sacramento still exists as a tourist venue. 

Mental Health in Sacramento

The Behavioral Health Services division of Health and Human Services focuses on helping low income individuals deal with mental health issues, especially in the realm of behavioral therapy, focusing on holistic recovery.² While Sacramento is a beautiful city and the hub of California politics, it does face some pressing mental health challenges. Mental illness comprises about 4% of the population, and one of the major hurdles facing Sacramento is a higher than average poverty rate, at 17%. ³ Areas of low income are typically a critical indicator of many psychological and behavioral issues and pose challenges for school and educational systems. As a result, the city has put in place several counseling based community resources that are helpful, inclusive, and caring.

The Children's Mental Health Department of HHS for Sacramento provides a full range of therapy and clinical mental health services for children from 0-21. These services offer a wide range of specialties to help children with various needs. Parents will find a loving atmosphere staffed with compassionate professionals. They can be contacted toll free at (888) 881-488.

There are some noteable programs in Sacramento that seek to give back to the community. Sacramento Loaves & Fishes helps provide foot and shelter for homeless people. If you want to get involved and help either with time or financially, you can reach them at 916-446-0874. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admnistration, about 25% of homeless people suffer some form of mental illness. Programs that address these needs can help reduce mental health stigma and bring new hope for people who need it.⁴

Current Education

A first step for adults in obtaining California licensure in counseling is education. The University of Southern California has a Sacramento campus and offers degrees in public health including programs in psychology and clinical science.⁵ California State University also has a Sacramento State Department of Psychology. Available to students are doctoral programs in General Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as several others. The degree programs by these institutions are recognized by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

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References
1. City of Sacramento. (2016). Home - City of Sacramento. Retrieved from http://portal.cityofsacramento.org
2. Sacramento County Health and Human Services. (2016). BHS Home. Retrieved from http://www.dhhs.saccounty.net/BHS/Pages/BHS-Home.aspx
3. California Healthcare Foundation. (2016). Mapping the Gaps: Mental Health in California. Retrieved from http://www.chcf.org/publications/2013/07/data-viz-mental-health
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admnistration. (2017). SAMHSA Programs. Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/legislate/Sept01/childhealth_title32.htm
5. USC University of Southern California. (2016). Clinical Science - Department of Psychology. Retrieved from http://dornsife.usc.edu/psyc/clinical-science/

Sacramento is located in Sacramento County, California. It has a land area of 97.92 square miles and a water area of 2.18 square miles.  The population of Sacramento is 490,712 people with 178,185 households and a median annual income of $50,739. .

Therapy Affordability Meter for Sacramento, CA

Affordable with Planning

Therapy in Sacramento is generally within financial reach for the average family, but some budget planning may be needed for a real commitment to weekly counseling. Remember that your mental health and happiness are important. Check with your Sacramento therapist about insurance coverage or ask about sliding scale fees if there are any difficulties with accessibility. Low cost counseling and affordable therapy are also sometimes offered by listed city and university level clinics, check with your local Sacramento public health department.