Changes in psychotherapy utilization among consumers of services for major depressive disorder in the community mental health system

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2011 Nov;38(6):495-503. doi: 10.1007/s10488-011-0336-1.

Abstract

The goal of this investigation was to explore changes in psychotherapy utilization for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated in community mental health agencies across two cohorts. We used a Medicaid claims database including approximately 300,000 public sector clients. Although the use of psychotherapy alone showed a small decrease, there was a large increase in the use of combined medication and psychotherapy as a treatment for MDD. Race was a significant predictor of both treatment type received and length of treatment. African American consumers were more likely to receive psychotherapy alone than combined treatment and attended significantly fewer psychotherapy sessions.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Black or African American
  • Community Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / ethnology*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insurance Claim Review
  • Male
  • Medicaid
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotherapy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Sex Factors
  • Vereinigte Staaten
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents