Who Gets Needed Medical Care? Use of Mental Health Services among Adults with Mental Health Need in California (Californian Journal of Health Promotion)

​The study describes mental health services use among Californians with mental health need, highlights underserved populations, and discusses policy opportunities. Four years of California Health Interview Survey data (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) were pooled and weighted to the 2013 population to estimate mental health need and unmet need. Adults with mental health need had "unmet need" if they did not use prescription medication and did not have at least four or more mental health visits in the past year. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the probability adults with mental health need did not receive past-year treatment.

The study found 77 percent of Californians with mental health need received no or inadequate mental health treatment in 2013. Men, Latinos, Asians, young people, older adults, people with less education, uninsured adults, and individuals with limited English proficiency were significantly more likely to have unmet need. Cost of treatment and mental health stigma were common reasons for lack of care. Unmet mental health need is predominant in California.

 

Publication Authors:

• Linda Diem Tran, MPP
• Ninez A. Ponce, PhD, MPP