Impact of Poverty and Socioeconomic Status on Access to Mental Health Services
What does this measure?
This indicator measures the percentage of Orange County residents who have visited a mental health provider in the last year (2024). The data is broken down by household income to reveal how access to and utilization of mental health services varies among different economic groups. The question itself defines a mental health provider broadly to include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or therapists, either in-person or online.
Summary Statement
The data shows that a small percentage of Orange County residents, on average, visited a mental health provider in the last year, with the highest total of 28.0% for those in the $25k-$49k income bracket. It also shows that no direct positive correlation exists between income and the likelihood of visiting a mental health provider, as the rates are lowest among the highest-earning residents (17.0% for those making $150k+) and those in the $50k-$99k bracket (19.0%).