Mental Health Statistics

Facts and Stats Regarding Mental Health in America

According to MentalHealth.gov, mental health problems are very common. Their research concludes that in 2014 as many as “one in five American adults experienced a mental health issue.” Additionally, the same year found that “one in 25 Americans lived with a serious mental illness.” Serious mental health illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and major depression.

Tragically, according to the government website, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Over 41,000 lives are lost to suicide making it the tenth leading cause of death in the country.

Mental health disorders often show up early in life, but few adolescents receive treatment. Research from the site indicates that “half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old.” Unfortunately, less than 20% of youth struggling with a mental health problem are treated. Studies show that early intervention and treatment can drastically help children and young adults.

Many mental health disorders are treatable, and studies show that individuals receiving treatment can live a full, productive life. In recognition of the importance of treatment and recovery, the California legislature passed SB-215 amending the Penal Code (PC). Under this law, PC 1001.36 now allows courts to offer pretrial diversion for those with diagnosable mental health disorders that commit a crime. The offender’s mental health disorder must have been a significant factor in the commission of the crime to be eligible. Furthermore, the defendant must provide a diagnosis of the qualifying disorder from a qualified mental health expert. Qualifying disorders include those identified in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, including but not limited to:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and pedophilia are not qualifying disorders. Your attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible for the pretrial diversion program. To be successful, an offender must complete treatment in a court-approved recovery program.