Children's and adolescents' use of mental health care is a family matter

Med Care Res Rev. 2008 Dec;65(6):748-62. doi: 10.1177/1077558708320988. Epub 2008 Oct 1.

Abstract

This article discusses the influence of family structure on children's use of mental health services and explores whether a family's dependency on government assistance compensates for the effect of family income on children's use of services. Children in nontraditional families are at greater risk of using mental health services and have more mental health visits. Family participation in government subsidies programs offsets the influence of family income on the use of mental health services.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Family*
  • Financing, Government
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Mental Health Services / economics
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States
  • Utilization Review