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Published Online: 1 January 2013

Disparities in Unmet Need for Mental Health Services in the United States, 1997–2010

John M. Roll, Ph.D., Jae Kennedy, Ph.D., Melanie Tran, M.S.H.P.A., and Donelle Howell, Ph.D.Authors Info & Affiliations
Publication: Psychiatric Services
Volume 64, Number 1
https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201200071
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Abstract

Objectives

This study estimated unmet need for mental health services, identified population risk factors related to unmet need, and established baseline data to assess the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.

Methods

National Health Interview Survey data (1997–2010) were analyzed.

Results

Unmet need increased from 4.3 million in 1997 to 7.2 million in 2010. Rates in 2010 were about five times higher for uninsured than for privately insured persons. In a multivariate logistic model, likelihood was higher among children (age two to 17), working-age adults (age 18–64), women, uninsured persons, persons with low incomes, in fair or poor health, and with chronic conditions.

Conclusions

Unmet need is widespread, particularly among the uninsured. Expansion of coverage under the ACA, in conjunction with federal parity, should improve access, but ongoing monitoring of access is a research and policy priority.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Psychiatric Services
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Cover: Birdie and Joseph, by Larry Rivers, 1955. Oil on canvas; 13 × 25 inches. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Melvin Blake and Frank Purnell Collection (2003.44). Photograph © 2013, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Psychiatric Services
Volume 64 • Number 1 • January 2013
Pages: 80 - 82
PubMed: 23280460

History

Published online: 1 January 2013
Published in print: January 2013

Authors

Affiliations

Melanie Tran, M.S.H.P.A.
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Dr. Roll, Dr. Kennedy, and Dr. Howell are affiliated, respectively, with the Division of Health Sciences, Department of Health Policy and Administration, and the College of Nursing, Washington State University, P.O.B. 1495, Spokane, WA 99210 (e-mail: [email protected]).
Ms. Tran is a doctoral student in the Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Colorado, Denver.

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