Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Bovier, P. A. Articles by Perneger, T. V. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Bovier, P. A. Articles by Perneger, T. V. Access to Services Service Utilization

Patterns of Use of Ambulatory Mental Health Services in a Universal Care Setting

OBJECTIVE: As health care expenditures grow, it is important to understand whether mental health services are being used appropriately. This study examined participants' reasons for seeking the services of a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine the extent to which factors other than an existing clinical disorder, such as culture, stress, or lack of social support, played a role. METHODS: A total of 1,257 randomly selected students who were enrolled at the University of Geneva in 1997 and who had unrestricted access to psychiatric services were asked how many times in the past 12 months they had consulted a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The respondents' mental health, perceived stress, self-esteem, sense of mastery, and social support were measured with validated instruments. RESULTS: A total of 131 respondents (10 percent) reported an encounter with a mental health provider in the past year. In adjusted analyses, female sex, Swiss citizenship, a higher level of stress, and a lower level of mental health were significantly associated with a greater number of visits to a mental health specialist, and self-esteem, sense of mastery, and social support were not. CONCLUSIONS: The respondents' use of mental health services was determined by a lower level of mental health, indicating appropriate use of services based on clinical need. However, service use was also determined by consumer-related variables such as perceived stress and sociocultural characteristics.

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2001 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us