Undocumented immigrants in California are at high risk for mental health challenges, but local governments aren’t doing enough to ensure they get care, according to a new report. Researchers with the health advocacy organization California Pan-Ethnic Health Network (CPEHN) interviewed leaders from 12 county behavioral health departments across the state, along with non-profit mental health providers, legal aid organizations and community-based groups. The researchers documented widespread concern about the mental health needs of undocumented immigrants but found counties hadn’t taken the necessary steps to get those needs addressed.
“The current political climate and federal administration has really escalated a perilous mental health situation for immigrant communities,” said Carolina Valle, policy manager at CEPHN.
It’s crucial that public mental health advocates and policy makers learn the tools to become allies in the fight to expand access to mental health care for all Californians.
You can read the full article from California Health Report, here.
