Clinical Characteristics and Outpatient Mental Health Service Use of Transition-Age Youth in the USA

Abstract

This study examines diagnostic and service utilization patterns of transition-age youth in outpatient care derived from the 2007 nationally representative Client/Patient Sample Survey. Comparisons between 16-17, 18-21, and 22-25 year olds are highlighted. Among transition-age outpatients, the oldest youth had the highest rates of depression and bipolar disorder and co-occurring medical and substance use problems. Controlling for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, 18-21 year olds were less likely to receive individual therapy than 16-17 year olds, but there were no age group differences in receipt of specialized therapy or psychotropic medication. Female gender and Hispanic ethnicity were positively associated with the number of services received and specialized service use, respectively; youth with private insurance were more likely than those with public insurance to receive psychotropic medication. Implications are discussed regarding access to and adequacy of services provided for young people in the critical transition to adulthood, especially with the implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act.

Mental Health Service Use in Adolescence: Findings From the National Survey on Drug Use and Health

“…The decline in service use may differ based upon service type. When controlling for young adult clinical profiles and demographic characteristics, Pottick et al found a marked decline in receipt of individual office-based therapy for 18–21 year olds when compared to 16–17 year olds (3). However, no differences were found between these age groups in receipt of psychotropic medications (3).…”

“…When controlling for young adult clinical profiles and demographic characteristics, Pottick et al found a marked decline in receipt of individual office-based therapy for 18–21 year olds when compared to 16–17 year olds (3). However, no differences were found between these age groups in receipt of psychotropic medications (3). Observed decreases in service use coincide with an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents aged 13–18 (4).…”

Predictors and Patterns of Psychiatric Treatment Dropout During Pregnancy Among Low-Income Women

“…We also examined the effects of race/ethnicity and age on psychiatric treatment dropout, which have been shown to affect treatment engagement (26, 27, 28) but have not been examined among pregnant women. Our study found a high rate of treatment discontinuation during pregnancy while highlighting the benefit of engaging reproductive aged women in psychotherapy pre-conception.…”

How Community Organizations Promote Continuity of Care for Young People with Mental Health Problems

“…These and other findings can help understand organizational practices and policies which enable transitions and thus provide gateways to young adults who have mental health problems. 27, 61 …”