Mental Health Service Use in Adolescence: Findings From the National Survey on Drug Use and Health

OBJECTIVE

This study examined mental health service use, by service type, of adolescents ages 12-17.

METHODS

Data were from approximately 113,000 adolescents who participated in the 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual nationally representative survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S.

POPULATION

Polynomial contrasts tested for linear and quadratic changes across age in the use of three types of past-year mental health services: school-based services, outpatient therapist or clinic, and overnight hospital stay.

RESULTS

Although mental health service use increased from age 12 to age 14 across all service types, it decreased or stabilized from age 15 to 17. School-based services were the most commonly used service and showed the steepest decline in use from age 12 to 17.

CONCLUSIONS

Although adolescence can be marked by an increasing prevalence of mental disorders, mental health service use declined or leveled off for many service types by age 14 or 15.

Correlates of Mental Health Service Use Among Young Adults With Mental Illness: Results From the National Survey on Drug Use and Health

OBJECTIVE

This study examined correlates of use of outpatient and inpatient mental health services and psychotropic medication in a large, nationally representative sample of young adults ages 18-26 with mental illness (N=22,600).

METHODS

Data were from the 2008-2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual nationally representative survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S.

POPULATION

Separate logistic regression models examined past-year use of three mental health service types (outpatient services, inpatient services, and psychotropic medication). Correlates included demographic characteristics, factors developmentally relevant to young adults, and general medical and mental health status.

RESULTS

Within this sample of young adults with mental illness, 20.4% used outpatient services, 3.6% used inpatient services, and 25.4% used psychotropic medication. Variables associated with use of one or more types of mental health services included being female (outpatient and medication), one to two moves in the past year (medication), having health insurance (all types), past-year criminal justice involvement (all types), poor health (inpatient and medication), substance use disorders (inpatient and medication), and mental illness with severe impairment (all types). Non-Hispanic blacks, Asians, and Hispanics were less likely than non-Hispanic whites to receive outpatient mental health services or psychotropic medications. Surprisingly, young adults employed full-time were less likely than those who were unemployed to receive services, and living with a partner (versus living alone) was not associated with a likelihood of using outpatient services.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the unique nature of young adulthood and the need to tailor mental health services to close gaps in service use during this developmental period.