Geographic location and mental health services utilization among the chronically mentally ill

This study examined the relationship between geographic location and use of mental health services using data collected on 1053 Community Support Program (CSP) clients. Multiple regression analyses revealed that geographic location (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) influences mental health services utilization even when service availability and accessibility, socio-demographic and need factors are controlled. The results do not support the assumption that rural residence has uniformly negative effects on service use. Rural CSP clients, for example, were more likely to use crisis and supportive housing services than their urban counterparts. The findings suggest that models of service utilization must be carefully specified with regard to residential location.