City Council Approves Innovative Mental Health Service for Residents

During a recent city council meeting in Paramount, officials discussed the renewal of a contract with Care Solace, a mental health referral service that has been operational in the city for six months. The service, which connects residents to mental health clinicians and social services, is funded through a community benefits agreement and is free for users.

City Manager Moreno highlighted the importance of the service, noting that it has facilitated over 1,100 service requests and 7,200 communications in its pilot phase. Anita Ward, Chief Growth Officer of Care Solace, provided a detailed presentation on the program's impact, emphasizing its accessibility through various platforms, including a dedicated app and QR codes placed throughout the city.

Ward reported that the service has successfully matched residents to care within an average of 1.73 days, with appointments typically scheduled within a week. The majority of requests originated from a specific zip code, indicating a concentrated need for mental health services in that area. Notably, 55% of service requests came from this zip code, prompting discussions on how to better address community needs.

The data revealed significant trends, including a high demand for individual therapy, particularly among younger populations seeking teletherapy options. Ward also noted concerning statistics regarding suicidal ideation, particularly among African American residents, which will inform future outreach efforts during September's Suicide Awareness Month.

Public Safety Director Maggie Matson provided a fiscal overview, confirming that the city would incur a nominal fee of $1.50 per resident annually, with the total cost not exceeding $80,250. This funding is already allocated in the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The council expressed gratitude for the service's positive impact on the community and emphasized the importance of continued support for mental health initiatives. The meeting underscored Paramount's commitment to enhancing mental health resources and addressing the needs of its residents through collaborative efforts.