Predictors of recent mental health service use in a medical population: implications for integrated care

J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2009 Dec;16(4):304-10. doi: 10.1007/s10880-009-9171-x. Epub 2009 Aug 7.

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between physical and mental health and psychosocial variables and recent (within the last 12 months) mental health service use among 240 medical patients recruited from general and specialty outpatient clinics at an academic medical center. Results indicated 43.3% of the participants had recently received mental health services in the form of psychotropic medication (75%), psychotherapy (2%), or a combination of these treatments (20.2%). Among patients with moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety or depression, approximately two-thirds were receiving mental health treatment. Moreover, four variables (healthcare provider referral for mental health services, perceived need for mental health services, prior use of mental health services, and frequency of medical appointments) were significant unique predictors of recent mental health service use. This suggests collaborative/integrated medical care may increase needed mental health service use.

MeSH terms

  • Academic Medical Centers
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety Disorders / epidemiology
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy
  • Chronic Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chronic Disease / psychology*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / statistics & numerical data*
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotherapy / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Texas
  • Utilization Review / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs