Despite growing demand for children's mental health services, California has less than a quarter of the therapists it needs and due to low pay, burnout and other barriers, culturally competent care from Latinx therapists and other therapists of color is even harder to find.
Demand for mental health services for children has swelled amid a striking increase in signs of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts a situation some mental health experts have labeled a crisis.
After abuse reports, California approves $8 million for youth returning from troubled treatment programs
Jan. 14, 2021
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DaeJah Seward is seen outside her place of work in Sacramento, Calif. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020.Paul Chinn / The Chronicle 2020
California will spend more than $8 million to find safer homes for children returning from troubled out-of-state residential programs, in response to a Chronicle and Imprint investigation into rampant reports of abuse at the facilities.
Officials in counties across the state are now spending the money, approved by the state Legislature in December, to recruit foster families and bolster mental health and behavioral support services for the 131 young people California is calling back from treatment programs across the country.