Mental Health

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Look below for local strategies and data tracking progress on mental health efforts in Santa Cruz County.  
Snapshot of Mental Health in Santa Cruz County 
  • 54% of adults 18-24 yrs old have seriously thought about suicide. This is significantly higher and worse than the overall percentage for CA adults which is 15%. This rate is even higher for adults who are two or more races, or bisexual. 
  • There are 914 mental health providers per 100,000 people.  This value is better that our previous value and the California average of 425 providers per 100,000. 
  • 16% of South County residents state that their mental health was not good for 14 days or more in the past month, compared to 13% of Mid-County residents. 
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Mental Health

Explore the data to learn more about mental health in Santa Cruz County. 
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Compared to the CA Value (19.0%), Santa Cruz has a value of 20.2% which is higher and worse. Compared to the CA Value (19.0%), Santa Cruz has a value of 20.2% which is higher and worse.
Adults Who Ever Thought Seriously About Suicide
(Compared to CA State Value)
Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly. Over time, the Santa Cruz value is decreasing, not significantly.
Age-Adjusted Death Rate due to Suicide
(Compared to Trend over Time)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (14.0%) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (14.0%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (14.0%) is not statistically different from the previously measured value (14.0%).
Students Seriously Considering Suicide
(Compared to Prior Value)
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 17.9% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 16.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 20.7%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 17.9% which is in the 2nd worst quartile of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value lower than 16.8% while counties in the worst 25% have a value higher than 20.7%.
Adults with Likely Serious Psychological Distress
(Compared to CA Counties)

County: Santa Cruz

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Mental Health Protective Factors

A number of different factors — some biological or psychological, others social or environmental — can give people greater protection from or increase their risk of experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Protective factors include; individuals, families or communities that support resilience; participation in activities; physical exercise and a healthy diet; support groups, etc. 
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Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (5,375) is greater than the previously measured value (3,596). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (5,375) is greater than the previously measured value (3,596).
Individuals Utilizing Behavioral Health Services at the County of Santa Cruz
(Compared to Prior Value)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (951) is greater and better than the previously measured value (914). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (951) is greater and better than the previously measured value (914).
Mental Health Provider Rate
(Compared to Prior Value)
Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 97.7% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 85.7% while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 76.2%. Compared to CA Counties, Santa Cruz has a value of 97.7% which is in the best 50% of counties. Counties in the best 50% have a value higher than 85.7% while counties in the worst 25% have a value lower than 76.2%.
Access to Exercise Opportunities
(Compared to CA Counties)
Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (47%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (50%). Compared to the prior value, Santa Cruz (47%) is less and worse than the previously measured value (50%).
Youth Connectedness to School: 11th Graders
(Compared to Prior Value)

County: Santa Cruz

Local Policies and Strategic Plans
County of Santa Cruz Behavioral Health Services MHSA (2023-2026 Three yr plan)

County of Santa Cruz Behavioral Health Services MHSA (2023-2026 Three yr plan)
This plan works to identify persistent mental health service gaps and develop strategies to address them over the next three fiscal years, based on the community needs assessment and stakeholder input. 
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Diagnosing the Crisis in Behavioral Health: Underfunded, Understaffed & Overworked

Diagnosing the Crisis in Behavioral Health: Underfunded, Understaffed & Overworked
The Grand Jury investigated the Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Division (BHD) of the Health Services Agency to ascertain how well they were handling the additional demands on their services caused by the Covid Pandemic. 
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Centering Wellness: The Role of Schools in Addressing Behavioral Health

Centering Wellness: The Role of Schools in Addressing Behavioral Health
Santa Cruz County Office of Education initiatives for Mental Health (presentation 9/21/23)
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Senate Bill 326: Analysis and Report for the Santa Cruz County Mental Health Advisory Board and NAMI Santa Cruz County Board of Directors

Senate Bill 326: Analysis and Report for the Santa Cruz County Mental Health Advisory Board and NAMI Santa Cruz County Board of Directors
Assessing the (Potential) Impact and Implications of the Highly Controversial Bill (Companion to AB 531) – And its Possible Far-Reaching Effects on the Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health System (and Local Partner Organizations). 2023 REPORT
Mental Health Related Indicators and Tools
Local Agencies & Advocacy
Santa Cruz