Rural Children Don't Receive the Mental Health Care They Need

Authors

David Lambert PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Erika C. Ziller PhD, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow
Jennifer D. Lenardson MHS, University of Southern Maine, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Keywords

Rural, children, mental health, health care access, MRHRC

Abstract

Key Findings: Just over one-third of all children with a mental health problem received a mental health visit in the past year; Controlling for other characteristics that affect access to care, rural children are 20% less likely to have a mental health visit than urban children; Having Medicaid or SCHIP increases the likelihood that a child will receive services, and this is pronounced in rural areas.

Funding Organization

Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration, DHHS

Grant Number

CA#U1CRH03716

Recommended Citation

Lambert, D., Ziller, E. C., & Lenardson, J. D. (2009). Rural children don't receive the mental health care they need. (Research & Policy Brief). Portland, ME: University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Maine Rural Health Research Center.