Primary presenting problem and mental health service delivery.
This study describes the variety of problems reported by clients seeking the services of a large urban community mental health center and explores the extent to which these problems are related to three sets of variables: client demographic characteristics, system entry, and system response. A 10% random sample totaling 273 case files was examined. The most frequently reported problem area was interpersonal followed by drug/alcohol abuse and cognitive disturbance. Clients' presenting problem was significantly related to all three sets of variables. Implications for planning service delivery are discussed with emphasis on identifying both unique and shared center responses to presenting problems, client characteristics, and system entry factors.
D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification; D014481:United States