Predictors of mental health services use among lesbian and heterosexual women.
Studies examining mental health services have identified a series of indicators with demonstrated effects on services access, barriers, and utilization, including gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, as well as indicators such as type of insurance, client attitudes toward mental health, and diagnosis. This study identifies predictors of mental health services utilization in a diverse community sample of lesbians and heterosexual women (N=120). Outcomes for study participants are compared to those found in the services utilization literature, and similarities and differences among lesbians and heterosexual women are examined. Suggestions are offered for identifying new factors in mental health service utilization among groups with diverse sexual orientations.
Razzano
Lisa A
LA
Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60603, USA. Razzano@psych.uic.edu
Cook
Judith A
JA
Hamilton
Marie M
MM
Hughes
Tonda L
TL
Matthews
Alicia K
AK