Taking care of your mental health is important because it affects how you think, feel, and behave. In California, a lot of adults and kids experience mental health issues.
About 1 in 26 adults and 1 in 14 kids deal with serious mental health problems that make daily life tough.
The COVID-19 pandemic probably made these numbers even higher. But California has many places where you can get help. There are psychiatry programs and clinics all over the state.
If you prefer talking to a therapist online, BetterHelp is a great choice. Lots of people in California use it to chat with licensed therapists. It’s easy to use, and you can get help fast. So if you need support, sign up now!
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the best mental health hospitals and professionals in California.
Benefits of Treating Mental Health Conditions in California
Taking care of your mental health is important and California is great at supporting that.
One big benefit is the Mental Health Parity Act. This law makes sure that insurance companies pay for mental health services just like they do for medical or surgical ones.
So, it’s easier for people in California to get help without worrying too much about money.
Also, there are programs like Proposition 63 that give money specifically for mental health services. This makes it easier to find treatment programs and support groups.
In California, there are specialized treatment centers that help people with mental health issues, no matter their age.
They deal with lots of different problems, like substance abuse, and they make sure to help each person in the best way for them.
California is also good at emergency services like Crisis Care and Telehealth, so you can get help quickly when you need it.
Plus, there are plenty of mental health professionals in California, like therapists and counselors, so you have lots of choices for getting the help that’s right for you.
If you’re dealing with mental health issues, California has supportive services, strong legal protections, and plenty of resources to help you get better.
Best Mental Health Hospitals in California
1. Ocean View Adult Psychiatric Hospital
Ocean View is a mental health hospital in California. They have 39 beds and are approved by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Joint Commission.
They specialize in making personalized treatment plans for adults with different mental health issues.
They’re important to the community because they offer really good services for people who need to stay in the hospital.
Most of their rooms are private, which they think is important for making patients feel better.
Studies show that private rooms help patients feel less stressed, sleep better, get better faster, and feel like their privacy and dignity are respected.
Ocean View also offers programs where people don’t have to stay in the hospital all the time.
These programs include the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Outpatient Psychiatric Services (OPS).
2. Van Nuys Behavioral Health Hospital
Van Nuys offers both physical and mental health care to support people dealing with life’s challenges.
Their behavioral health division includes a 57-bed hospital, providing urgent inpatient and outpatient mental health services for those who voluntarily seek help.
They also offer psychiatric services to individuals voluntarily seeking treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and others.
Using a comprehensive approach to treatment, their behavioral health network covers Van Nuys, Culver City, and Bellflower, with over 160 beds available.
The Van Nuys Behavioral Health Hospital provides round-the-clock supervision in a hospital setting for both inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment.
Their services range from individual therapy and group therapy to couples counseling and skill-building classes, all aimed at addressing various mental health issues.
Their treatment programs are thorough and tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
3. Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center
Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center, established in 1953 in Los Angeles, California, is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering comprehensive mental health care.
Their team likely consists of various experts such as psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, social workers, and nurses who work together to provide holistic care.
They probably utilize different effective therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication management.
Their inpatient programs, with 27 beds, likely cater to adults dealing with severe mental health issues or co-occurring disorders.
Gateways also offers outpatient programs tailored specifically for children, adolescents, and adults.
These programs aim to provide ongoing support and equip patients with skills to manage their conditions.
They may include individual therapy, group sessions, family counseling, medication assistance, assistance with social services, and educational workshops.
4. Aurora Behavioral Healthcare San Diego Hospital
Aurora Behavioral Healthcare San Diego Hospital specializes in helping adults dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Their Inpatient Treatment Program offers a safe space for adults dealing with urgent mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and trauma.
They provide constant monitoring, medication management, various therapy sessions, life skills training, and support for transitioning back to normal life.
For those needing longer-term care, they have a Residential Treatment program with structured living arrangements and intensive therapy.
If someone is experiencing withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, Aurora offers supervised detox in a clinical setting.
They tailor treatment plans to each patient, taking into account their unique needs and diagnoses.
Inpatient and Outpatient Services in California
In California, hospitals have different programs to help people dealing with mental health problems.
If someone is in a really bad place mentally, like feeling suicidal or having really bad anxiety or psychosis, they can go to an inpatient program.
These programs give care all day and night in a safe place. They’re important for people who need help urgently, including those struggling with substance abuse and needing detox to stay safe.
If someone has both mental health issues and substance abuse problems, they can get help for both in an inpatient program.
Professionals take care of them and guide them through treatment. They also offer therapy sessions, either one-on-one or in groups, to teach them how to handle tough situations and avoid falling back into bad habits.
On the other hand, outpatient programs are more flexible. You don’t have to stay in the hospital all the time.
They’re good if you have support at home and can manage your daily life while getting help. You can still go to work, school, or do other important things.
Outpatient treatment is usually cheaper than inpatient care. After intense treatment, outpatient programs help you get back to your normal routine while still providing therapy and support groups.
Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:
- 5 Best Mental Health Hospitals in Las Vegas Nevada
- Mental Health Hospitals in Mississippi: Top 7 Hospitals
- 6 Best Mental Health Hospitals in New Orleans
Top Mental Health Professionals in California
In California, there are lots of skilled mental health experts. They each have lots of experience and care a lot about helping people. Some of them are listed below.
1. Penny Greaves
Penny Greaves is a seasoned Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over two decades of nursing expertise.
She earned her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree from National University in 2021 and holds dual certification from both the ANCC in psychiatry and the AANP in family practice.
With extensive experience, Penny specializes in working with adults, including those dealing with addictions, complex mental health issues, geriatrics, and dementia.
She is deeply committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality mental health care.
Her approach includes utilizing therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), and Motivational Interviewing to provide comprehensive support to her patients.
2. Joseph Gulino, M.D.
Joseph Gulino, M.D., runs a top-notch psychiatry practice in Beverly Hills, California.
He’s certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology for both adult and child psychiatry.
With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Gulino specializes in helping adults, teenagers, and children with various mental health issues.
His expertise covers anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance use problems, OCD, autism, excessive screen time, and childhood behavioral issues.
Dr. Gulino provides a range of effective treatments including therapy, medication management, lifestyle counseling, and more.
He warmly welcomes patients to Beverly Hills Psychiatry and goes above and beyond to meet their mental health needs.
To book an appointment, just call Beverly Hills Psychiatry at 310-388-5379.
3. Evangeline Luriz
Evangeline Luriz cares about patients as whole people, not just their symptoms. She’s a specialist in mental health, focusing on mood problems like feeling sad or anxious.
She listens carefully and creates a friendly space where patients feel safe to talk. Her methods are proven and personalized for each person’s needs.
You can contact her at (310) 692-7919.
4. Toni Ann Locke
Toni Ann Locke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who also holds certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
She specializes in helping adults aged 19-55 with issues like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and ADHD.
In her treatments, Toni Ann doesn’t just prescribe medications; she also uses a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). She combines humanistic and cognitive approaches in her practice.
To book an appointment or for any questions, you can call Toni Ann Locke at (916) 885-5278.
5. Robert McLay
Robert McLay is a psychiatrist and pain medicine specialist with certifications in three areas.
While he has a particular interest in helping military members, their families, and individuals facing high-performance challenges, he’s equipped to assist anyone dealing with mental health issues.
His expertise lies in treating Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression.
He offers various treatments such as individual therapy, medication management, and advanced techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation, which can help with depression, pain, trauma, cognitive function, and peak performance.
Robert also provides consultations and speaks to organizations and large groups. You can contact Robert at (619) 393-7968 if you’re seeking guidance or support.
FAQ’s:
How do you get someone admitted to a mental hospital in California?
In California, you can get someone into a mental hospital in two ways: voluntarily or involuntarily.
If someone goes in voluntarily, they can ask for help from a mental health expert or go straight to the hospital and say they need help.
If it’s involuntary, someone else, like a family member or the police, has to ask the court for permission because they’re concerned about the person’s safety or the safety of others.
How long can a mental hospital keep you in California?
In California, how long you can stay in a mental hospital depends on what’s going on with you. If you’re admitted on a 72-hour hold, they can keep you for up to 72 hours to check you out and treat you.
If they think you need more help, they can keep you for another 14 days with a 14-day hold.
If you still need treatment after that, they might need a court’s permission to keep you longer, like with a conservatorship or involuntary treatment.
The time you stay depends on your situation and what doctors and the court think is best.
Does California have mental health courts?
Yes, California does have mental health courts. These courts help people with mental health issues who are in legal trouble.
Instead of punishing them, these courts focus on getting them help and back on track.
They’re all about treatment and recovery, not just punishment.
What happens during a 72-hour psych hold in California?
During a 72-hour psych hold in California, someone is kept in a mental health facility for up to 72 hours without their consent if they’re considered a risk to themselves or others due to a mental health issue.
Doctors and experts assess them to decide if they need more treatment or can leave.
If they’re no longer a risk, they can go home. But if they still need help, they might stay longer or get more treatment.
