Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted 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 Johnson, D. M. Articles by Zlotnick, C. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Johnson, D. M. Articles by Zlotnick, C. Homeless Persons Service Utilization Spouse Abuse Other Violence/Aggression

Utilization of Mental Health Treatment and Other Services by Battered Women in Shelters

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the frequency and types of resources used by battered women in shelters, as well as factors that relate to greater use of mental health services and to seeking help from a greater number of resources. METHODS: A total of 164 African-American (N=94) and white (N=70) battered women in two shelters were examined by using a series of clinical interviews and self-report measures that assessed posttraumatic stress disorder and other axis I pathology, mental health treatment and other service use, abuse severity, and lifetime trauma prevalence. RESULTS: Results suggest that few of the women used available resources, especially mental health treatment, with African-American women less likely to use mental health treatment and criminal justice interventions. Additionally, possession of medical insurance and a greater number of types of prior trauma were significantly associated with greater help seeking. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the need for identifying barriers to battered women's access to resources, as well as the importance of assisting them in obtaining medical coverage.

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2007 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

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