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Abstract

The Integrated Database (IDB) was created to provide a broad picture of the use of state-funded mental health (MH) and substance abuse (SA) services. Assembled separately for three states (Delaware, Oklahoma, and Washington), the IDB links client-level and service-level data maintained by the state MH, SA, and Medicaid agencies. This study used the IDB to examine public MH services for children with serious emotional disturbances (SED) in 1996. Children with SED represented 9% to 22% of all children with MH service use. Between one half and two thirds of children with SED received psychotropic medication; 20% to 40% had a MH inpatient or residential stay. Medicaid was the primary funder of MH services for children with SED; only 2% to 12% of children with SED received services solely through the state MH agency.

Predictors of Healthcare Service Utilization for Mental Health Reasons

“…In our study, emotional problems are not synonymous with psychological distress, which is usually reported to be strongly associated with healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons [ 116 , 117 ], or with poor self-perception of mental health. Some studies revealed that healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons among children with emotional problems begins at a very young age and occurs in multiple service sectors [ 118 , 119 ]. It is possible that individuals who experience emotional problems at a younger age are more likely to consult healthcare professionals as a preventive measure.…”

“…Emotional problems were the most prevalent needs domains among individuals without mental disorders. As indicated previously, emotional problems are usually detected at a young age [ 118 , 119 ]. It is possible that some individuals without mental disorders consult professionals for mental health reasons over the long term for their emotional problems or to prevent relapses.…”