SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego County is investing $75 million to address a growing shortage of mental health workers, a shortage that has left some residents waiting months to receive care.
For recent graduates like David Valencia, the challenges of entering the mental health field begin long before they start working with clients.
Valencia, who recently earned his degree in marriage and family therapy from San Diego State University, said he nearly dropped out because of the financial strain.
“One of the first things I remember in orientation was they told us, ‘don’t schedule out a vacation,’” Valencia said. “It was so demanding it took me away from family, from friends and I quit my job to stay in the program.”
The program’s workload made it nearly impossible for him to work, forcing him to take on debt while completing unpaid training hours required for graduation.
“I wasn’t paid a penny for my work as a therapist-in-training,” he said. “It almost caused me to give up.”
That struggle isn’t unique. County officials say the cost and unpaid nature of clinical training are among the biggest barriers to growing the mental health workforce.
“Many students are required to take out large loans and complete unpaid internships,” said Andy Hall, who helps lead the county’s new Elevate initiative. “Some just can’t make it all work and they drop out. That’s one less professional providing services to children in San Diego.”
The county’s $75 million Elevate program aims to change that. The initiative will provide zero-interest loans, paid internships and peer training for those pursuing mental health careers.
Officials say the funding was secured in 2023, with program design completed last year. The rollout begins this year, offering resources to help students stay in school and enter the field faster.
“That’s exactly what Elevate is answering,” Valencia said. “I just wish it existed when I was in the program.”
County leaders hope the investment will fill thousands of open positions and strengthen San Diego’s mental health system for years to come.
