Health Matters Brief: Behavioral Health-Related Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations in Riverside County, CA (2019-2022)

This report examines behavioral health-related conditions, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations among Riverside County residents from 2019 to 2022. 

Findings: From 2019 to 2022, Riverside County experienced notable shifts in behavioral health trends. According to the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), an estimated 14.6% of county residents experienced serious psychological distress in the past year, and 47.1% sought help but did not receive treatment for mental, emotional, or substance-related issues (CHIS, 2025).  

These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring behavioral health patterns to inform prevention strategies, expand access to care, and guide equitable, data-driven approaches.