A Pilot Investigation of the Rates and Predictors of Mental Health Services Utilization Among Depressed African American Mothers and Their Children

Abstract

Depressed mothers, especially those who are African American, are likely to underutilize mental health services. Children of depressed mothers are an at-risk population with mental health needs that are often unmet. This prospective pilot study examined 3-month frequency rates and predictors of mental health utilization for a sample of African American depressed mothers and their children. Mothers and 1 of their children completed assessment interviews. Three months later, mothers completed a telephone interview of maternal and child mental health utilization. Overall, 65.3% of depressed mothers and 36.7% of their children had utilized mental health services. Logistic regression analyses indicated that initial mental health treatment significantly predicted maternal mental health utilization. Maternal reports of child behavioral problems significantly predicted child mental health utilization. The findings were consistent with other research and showed evidence of mental health use among African Americans who are in need of such services.