The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a massive wave of mental health challenges, especially for adults, children, and teens. Pre-pandemic, only about 11% of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders. During the pandemic, that number rose to over 30%. And while the need for mental health support has grown, so have the barriers to accessing care—particularly in underserved communities.
At Kenyatta Black Counseling, we believe in examining the broader systems that impact mental health access. Here, we explore how Texas and California compare when it comes to mental health resources, Medicaid support, and approaches to social determinants of health (SDOH).
Comparing Support Systems in Texas and California
While both states have implemented programs to address mental health and related challenges, their approaches differ:
Texas Medicaid Plans: Focused heavily on transportation and food insecurity—critical issues affecting day-to-day functioning. About 71% also reported efforts toward housing stability.
California Medicaid Plans: More proactively addressing housing instability (84%), transportation (79%), and food insecurity (74%). These categories reflect a broader scope of social impact being considered in California.
Assessment & Screening Tools
A majority of plans in both states use standardized tools to evaluate social needs:
79% of Texas plans
85% of California plans
These screenings allow providers to identify barriers such as unsafe housing, lack of food, or limited access to care—and then connect patients with appropriate services.
Funding Challenges & Sustainability Plans in both Texas and California face challenges when it comes to funding long-term mental health solutions. Concerns include:
Maintaining stable and adequate funding sources
Building sustainable partnerships across community organizations
Ensuring social investments (like housing support) are recognized in future plan rates
Stakeholders in both states are calling for stronger reimbursement options and investment models that prioritize mental and social health equally.
Community-Based Investment Notably, both states report initiatives that benefit communities beyond just their members. From transportation grants to housing projects, these efforts signal a shift toward population-focused wellness. However, the scale and measurement of these impacts are still being refined.
Conclusion: Where We Go From Here Both Texas and California are making strides in addressing the full picture of mental health—acknowledging how transportation, housing, food, and financial stability all play a role. At Kenyatta Black Counseling, we understand that these systemic issues don’t just show up in data—they show up in the lived experiences of our clients.
If you’re in Texas and facing anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Our compassionate, culturally aware team is here to support you with personalized care.