Factors in the utilization of mental health centers and state hospitals

Several studies have found a relationship between the distance that must be traveled to receive a mental health service and the rate of utilization of the service. In the study of admission rates to mental health centers and state hospitals reported here, the author examined the relationship of admission rates to distance and to three other factors: urban-rural differences, the complexity of the community referral network, and the availability of outpatient services. The study showed that rates of admission to the centers tended to be higher as the counties became more urban, but that use of center services was not related to distance. However, a strong relationship was found between distance and rates of admission to the state hospitals.