At Altais Medical Group Riverside, we understand that mental health is an essential part of your overall wellbeing.
Recent studies show that one in four Inland Empire residents reports experiencing mental health challenges, with stress, anxiety, and depression being the most common concerns. The unique pressures of our region–from long commutes to rapid population growth and development–can impact mental wellbeing in significant ways. We’ve created this guide to help you understand and access the mental health support available in our community.
Understanding Mental Health Support
Your primary care physician can be your first step in addressing mental health concerns. Our providers are trained to screen for common mental health conditions, provide initial treatment and medication when appropriate, connect you with specialized mental health professionals, and help coordinate your overall care.
Mental health care comes in many forms. You might work with a psychiatrist for medication management, a psychologist or licensed therapist for counseling, or a social worker for support services. Your primary care team helps determine which type of care best suits your needs and coordinates with mental health specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
Watch for signs that indicate it’s time to seek support: changes in sleep patterns, persistent sadness or anxiety, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, withdrawal from activities you usually enjoy, or feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, we encourage you to reach out to your healthcare team.
Riverside Area Mental Health Resources
When it comes to mental health support, the Riverside area offers a growing network of resources for crisis intervention, ongoing care, and community support. Our diverse region has developed comprehensive mental health services, from immediate crisis response to long-term support programs. Every community has unique needs, and our local resources reflect this understanding with specialized programs and services throughout Riverside County and the surrounding areas.
Here are some key resources in our area:
Crisis Services:
- Riverside County CARES Line: 800.499.3008
- National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- It’s Up to Us Riverside County Crisis Resources: (951) 686-HELP
Community Resources
The diversity of our region is reflected in the variety of mental health services available. Throughout Riverside County, several organizations provide comprehensive mental health support through different approaches and specialties, with services designed to meet the needs of our growing and diverse population.
Riverside/Corona Area:
- Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health
- NAMI Western Riverside County
- MFI Recovery Center
- Riverside County Department of Mental Health
- Operation SafeHouse (youth services)
Moreno Valley/Perris Area:
- Moreno Valley Mental Health Urgent Care, 85 Ramona Expressway
Suites 1-3, Perris, CA 92571, 951. 349.4195 - Victor Community Support Services
- Family Service Association
Cultural-Specific Resources
Riverside County’s rich cultural diversity demands mental health care that understands and respects different cultural perspectives. Many organizations have developed specialized programs that offer culturally competent care in multiple languages, ensuring that everyone in our community can access appropriate mental health support. Understanding cultural context is crucial – what might be seen as a mental health challenge in one culture may be viewed differently in another. These providers are trained to navigate these nuances while delivering effective care.
Cultural-Specific Programs:
- Latino Commission Treatment Centers
- Asian American Resource Center
- LGBTQ+ Resource Center at UCR
- Riverside-San Bernadino County Indian Health
- Islamic Center of Riverside Mental Health Services
Digital Mental Health Support
The evolution of healthcare technology has made mental health support more accessible than ever before. Telehealth services now allow patients to connect with mental health professionals from the comfort of their homes. Many providers offer virtual therapy sessions, online support groups, and secure messaging options. This flexibility particularly benefits those with busy schedules, mobility challenges, or transportation barriers.
Virtual mental health visits can be just as effective as in-person care for many conditions. These services often include:
- Video counseling sessions
- Mental health apps with provider oversight
- Online support groups
- Secure messaging with your care team
- Virtual stress management workshops
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Beyond professional services, the Riverside area offers numerous ways to support your mental wellness through community programs and resources. Local community centers frequently host mindfulness programs, while public libraries offer wellness workshops. Many local hospitals provide stress reduction classes, and community organizations run exercise programs that combine physical and mental health benefits.
Mental wellness activities in our region include:
- Mindfulness meditation at local parks like Fairmount Park and Mount Rubidoux
- Free wellness classes through Riverside Community Centers
- Support groups at neighborhood libraries
- Mental health education workshops
- Workplace wellness programs
Insurance and Access
Understanding your mental health coverage is an important step in accessing care. Most health plans include mental health services, though coverage details may vary. Many people don’t realize that mental health care is protected by parity laws, meaning insurance must cover it similarly to physical health care. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider or Regal Medical Group’s member services to understand your specific coverage. For those with limited insurance coverage, many organizations offer sliding scale fees or free services to ensure care remains accessible.
Next Steps
Starting your mental health journey might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Begin by discussing any concerns with your Regal Medical Group physician, who can help guide you to appropriate resources and care options. Consider both in-person and telehealth options to find what works best for your situation. Remember that crisis services are always available 24/7 if you need immediate support.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your Regal Medical Group healthcare team is here to support your mental health journey with the same dedication we bring to all aspects of your healthcare.
Need immediate help? Call 988 for 24/7 crisis support.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website or Blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website or Blog.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately, call your doctor, or go to the emergency room/urgent care.