Predicting Use of Community Mental Health Services: Do Demographics of Consumers Matter

Abstract

Predicting Use of Community Mental Health Services: Do Demographics of Consumers Matter John Q. Hodges, Ph.D. Abstract The set of factors that predicted consumer use of professional mental health services was explored in one Midwestern state. Factors identified in the literature as potential predictors of mental health service utilization were entered into a stepwise regression analysis. The three most significant predictors of service utilization were the extent to which consumers perceived that services were available, residence in urban areas, and participation in self-help groups. Wherein residence was conceptualized as a proxy systemic predictor for actual available services rather than a demographic predictor, no demographic factors were found to be significant predictors of utilization for the consumers in this study. The findings provide behavioral health policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with information they can use to enhance programs and policies for persons who need mental health services. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jssw.v4n1a6