Selection Into Mental Health Services Among Persons With Depression

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Psychiatry
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Depression is a prevalent mental health condition requiring diverse treatment approaches.
• Understanding patterns of mental health service utilization is crucial for effective care delivery.
• Sociodemographic and health factors may influence the choice of mental health service modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify sociodemographic and health characteristics associated with specific mental health service use among individuals with depression.
• To examine factors linked to receiving medication only, counseling only, or combined treatment for depression.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the 2015-2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N=4,169).
• Utilized multinomial logistic regressions to assess factors associated with mental health service modality selection.
• Sample included adults with a major depressive episode in the past year receiving outpatient mental health services.

Main Results:

• 69% of individuals received both medication and counseling.
• 22% received counseling only, and 9% received medication only.
• Mandatory care initiation and higher likelihood of severe mental illness were associated with combined medication and counseling use.

Conclusions:

• Treatment modality selection for depression may indicate access to care.
• Identifying factors influencing modality choice can help address barriers to treatment.
• Findings can inform strategies to improve timely access and reduce unmet mental health needs.