More Women in Monterey County Receiving Mental Health Services
Women and girls in Monterey County are receiving mental health services more than ever before, according to a 41-page report that will be discussed Wednesday at a women's health summit, the Monterey County Herald reports. The report -- based on data from the U.S. Census; the 2001 California Health Interview Survey by the University of California-Los Angeles Center for Health Policy Research and the Public Health Institute; and the 2000 California Healthy Kids Survey -- found that women and girls in the county are diagnosed with depressive disorders at three times the rate of men in the county and that females are diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome at 10 times the rate of males. Although the Monterey County Behavioral Health Department treated more male than female county residents, the number of girls treated annually for mental health issues increased by 43% between 1998 and 2002, compared with a 38% increase in the number of boys' cases during the same period, the report found. Maria Giuriato, community relations director of the county Department of Social Services, said, "We have a snapshot in this document that is showing us where there are gaps in services and resources that are needed when it comes to women and girls" (Adelante, Monterey County Herald, 5/23).
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