The pre-intake drop-out at a community mental health center

Characteristics of patients who failed to appear for their intake interviews at a community mental health center were contrasted with those who did follow through with their appointments. Findings suggest that characteristics associated with dropping out are likely to vary with patient groups. Show rates for adults who were seeking help for themselves were significantly related to parental status and the length of time from the day of scheduling an intake interview until that appointment. Patient-therapist gender matches were related to the probability of children showing for intake interviews.