Substance Use Disorder

This fact sheet shows how lay counselors can bridge the mental health workforce gap by providing evidence-based support comparable to that offered by licensed therapists.

California’s health care system is moving toward acknowledging substance use disorders (SUDs) as chronic illnesses, yet only about 10% of people with an SUD in the last year received treatment. Substance Use in California: Prevalence and Treatment provides an overview of substance use and addiction in the state.

Although the health system cannot fix every part of the homelessness crisis, there are important roles it can play. CHCF envisions a future where different systems work together effectively so people are housed and healthy.