Los Angeles County residents living in evacuation warning or order zones during the 2025 wildfires experienced heightened levels of anxiety and depression almost a year later, according to new USC research. The effects were greatest among those already facing social and economic hardship.  

The January 2025 wildfires were some of the most devastating in California history, killing at least 31 people, forcing more than 200,000 residents to evacuate and causing tens of billions of dollars in damage. The fires also heightened concerns about deepening inequality in the region, with their greatest impacts in two starkly different communities: the Pacific Palisades, a predominately white and wealthy neighborhood, and Altadena, a predominately Black neighborhood with people from a range of income levels.

In a long-term study of mental health in the region, USC researchers found that Angelenos who lived in areas ordered to evacuate or prepare to evacuate experienced a 12% greater increase in self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in the following months, compared with Angelenos who lived elsewhere. The increase was concentrated among residents who live in low-income households, struggle with housing costs, have pre-existing mental health challenges or have limited access to recovery support such as temporary housing or financial assistance.

While white, higher-income and college-educated residents were more likely to live in an evacuation zone, residents with precarious social, financial, or housing situations experienced disproportionately greater psychological impacts from the fires.  

A growing body of research on wildfires points to potentially severe long-term mental health consequences, including elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide. The new study findings suggest that policies to bolster housing security and community support networks, such as local nonprofits and volunteer groups, could help reduce the mental health impacts of wildfires.  

“As cities and suburbs prepare for the growing risk of wildfires, mental health must be a critical component of their planning. Ensuring that disadvantaged populations have access to essential supports like housing or transportation can improve community resilience,” said lead author Kyla Thomas, a research scientist with the Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) at the USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service.

The study, published July 29 in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 1,510 L.A. County residents participating in the LABarometer survey, which is maintained by CESR and has tracked social and economic conditions in the region since 2019. Researchers examined monthly self-reported data on anxiety and depression symptoms from the year before and after the wildfires, along with a pre-fire survey on livability and affordability issues and a survey on wildfire housing impacts conducted immediately after the fires were contained. They linked participants’ responses with neighborhood data to measure how close they lived to an evacuation zone.

Previous studies on wildfires’ mental health impacts have typically measured psychological distress in the aftermath of a wildfire disaster. By continuously tracking individuals over an extensive period before and after the wildfires, the study provides stronger evidence that the fires were responsible for worsening mental health symptoms.

About the study

The other authors are Evan Sandlin, Marco Angrisani, Jiyoon Kim and Margaret Gatz, all from USC.

Journal

JAMA Network Open

DOI

10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.26014

The study utilizes a cross-sectional approach to evaluate how various factors influence the implementation of the mhGAP program. Conducted within diverse communities in Colombia, the researchers aimed to understand not just the outcomes of mental health interventions, but the underlying reasons why some initiatives succeed while others falter. With mental health issues on the rise globally, particularly among vulnerable populations, the findings of this research are timely and essential for policymakers and mental health advocates alike.

One of the pivotal elements identified in the research is the role of trained human resources. The researchers argue that effective implementation of the mhGAP necessitates well-trained mental health professionals who can deliver quality care. In Colombia, where mental health services are often scarce, building a workforce capable of implementing evidence-based practices is fundamental. The study emphasizes that without adequate training and capacity-building initiatives, even the most well-intentioned programs can struggle to meet the needs of the population.

Moreover, the study highlights the importance of community engagement in the successful implementation of mental health programs. Researchers found that involving local communities in the design and delivery of mental health services significantly enhances the acceptability and accessibility of these programs. By fostering trust and collaboration between healthcare providers and community members, the mhGAP can be better tailored to address specific cultural and social needs, leading to more effective interventions. This insight points to the need for a more participatory approach in mental health services that empowers communities to play an active role in their own mental health care.

The study also discusses the influence of socio-political factors on mhGAP implementation. Colombia’s complex history of violence and displacement has profound effects on mental health, making it imperative that programs address not only clinical needs but also broader socio-economic determinants of health. The researchers underscore the necessity for multisectoral collaboration that includes government entities, NGOs, and community organizations. Such collaboration can help create a more conducive environment for mental health services and drive systemic changes that benefit the population.

In addressing the barriers to implementing mhGAP, the study outlines structural challenges, including resource allocation and policy support. Colombia, like many countries, faces budget constraints that can hinder the availability and quality of mental health services. The authors advocate for increased governmental commitment to mental health funding as essential for creating a sustainable healthcare environment. They also emphasize the necessity of policy frameworks that prioritize mental health, ensuring that it is not a neglected aspect of public health.

Through qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the study manages to paint a comprehensive picture of how various dynamics interplay in the realm of mental health care. The researchers interviewed a plethora of stakeholders, including mental health professionals, policymakers, and service users, to gather insights that would enrich their understanding. Such multifaceted perspectives are invaluable, as they shed light on both the strengths and weaknesses of existing programs and suggest directions for future improvements.

Aside from the human and community factors, the study also recognizes the significance of integrating technology into mental health interventions. Telehealth and digital mental health platforms have garnered attention as innovative solutions to bridge the gap in access to care. The researchers explore how Colombia is progressively employing technology to reach underserved populations, suggesting that digital solutions can complement traditional face-to-face interventions to enhance care delivery.

The findings of this research are particularly relevant in informing global mental health initiatives. Mental health does not respect borders, and lessons learned from Colombia’s experience can serve as a blueprint for other countries grappling with similar challenges. The study underscores the universal truth: to effectively address mental health needs, tailored solutions that incorporate the unique socio-cultural context of each country are paramount.

In conclusion, the success of the mhGAP program in Colombia exemplifies how a strategic combination of trained personnel, community involvement, supportive policies, and innovative approaches can lead to significant advancements in mental health care. As mental health continues to gain recognition on the global agenda, it is clear that research such as this will be instrumental in guiding effective interventions and promoting the mental well-being of populations around the world. The journey towards improved mental health is ongoing, and studies like this pave the way for a future where mental health care is prioritized and accessible to all.

The insights from this study could potentially fuel a global conversation about enhancing mental health strategies, initiating widespread discussions, and inspiring governments to take decisive action on this often sidelined issue. As Colombia demonstrates, success in mental health implementation depends not only on resources but also on the genuine collaboration between health services and the communities they serve. The challenge lies ahead, but the roadmap is clearer than ever.

Subject of Research: Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) Implementation in Colombia

Article Title: Factors driving implementation success of mental health gap action programme (mhGAP) in Colombia: a cross-sectional study.

Article References: Agudelo-Hernández, F., Vélez-Botero, H., Plata-Casas, L.I. et al. Factors driving implementation success of mental health gap action programme (mhGAP) in Colombia: a cross-sectional study. Discov Ment Health 5, 152 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00282-7

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI:

Keywords: Mental Health, mhGAP, Implementation Success, Colombia, Community Engagement, Policy Support.