Calif. Youth Mental Health Hospitalizations Rose by 38%
Hospitalizations for mental health issues among California residents ages 21 and younger increased by 38% between 2007 and 2012, according to an analysis of state data, the Sacramento Bee reports.
The analysis was conducted by the Bee and the California HealthCare Foundation's Center for Health Reporting. The center is supported by a grant from CHCF, which publishes California Healthline.
Background
From 1992 to 2012, the state lost more than 45% of its acute psychiatric hospital beds. Only 700 such beds currently are reserved for patients younger than age 18.
In addition, the number of group-home beds has declined from 17,000 in 2004 to 11,000 at the beginning of this year.
As a result, more individuals are using emergency departments to receive mental health treatment, according to the Bee.
Details of Data
The analysis found that the number of youth hospitalizations for issues related to mental health increased from 34,000 in 2007 to 47,000 in 2012.
For instance, among individuals ages 21 and younger:
- ED visits because of attempted suicide increased by 20%;
- ED visits for mental health crisis increased by 50%; and
- Recurring admissions to a mental health facility within the same year increased by 27%, with one-fourth of those admitted at least twice.
Reaction
Observers say that young state residents are not receiving adequate treatment for mental health issues in two instances:
- Before a crisis begins; and
- When they return from the hospital after being treated for a mental health issue.
Patrick Gardner -- an attorney in the Bay Area who focuses on children's mental health law and policy -- said the state's current children's mental health care system is "bipolar." Gardner noted that counseling sessions and medication are widely available, but that hospitalizations have skyrocketed because of a lack of availability of other treatments, such as home-based or family therapy and acute residential services.
Additional Funding
According to the Bee, a new law set to take effect his year will provide $200 million to enhance mental health treatment options.
However, some observers say only a small portion of that funding will to go to mental health services for children and adolescents (Wiener/Reese, Sacramento Bee, 2/2).
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