title: Factors contributing to the utilization of mental health services in a rural setting.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine if age, attitudes toward help-seeking, education, and sex were related to previous or intended future mental health utilization in a rural population. Data were collected via a mail survey from 438 adults. Regression analyses suggested that positive attitudes toward help-seeking, being female, and being younger were significantly related to both previous and intended future mental health service utilization. In addition, prior mental health use was significantly related to whether one would seek out mental health services in the future, Implications for mental health practitioners in rural settings are addressed, and limitations of the study discussed.
authors.affiliation: The University of Memphis, Counseling, Educational Psychology, & Research Department, Memphis, TN 38152, USA. lisas74@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Lisa D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Rene J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: McGovern
authors.forename: Patrick L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Peck
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States