Protect your mental health

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions faced
by Californians: Nearly 1 in 7 California adults experiences a
mental illness, and one in 26 has a serious mental illness that
makes it difficult to carry out daily activities. 1 in 14 children
has an emotional disturbance that limits functioning in family,
school, or community activities. A number of positive changes have
helped strengthen California’s mental health system. These changes
include federal and state laws mandating parity in coverage of
mental and physical illness, and the expansion of Medi-Cal
eligibility and scope of mental health services under the
Affordable Care Act. In addition, there have been numerous public
and private efforts to expand access to care, encourage better
integration of physical and mental health care, and reduce stigma.
Nonetheless, a majority of Californians who need it fail to receive
needed care.