Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Problem type and referral to HMO mental health treatment

  • Articles
  • Published:
Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present study examined the cases of 353 patients seen in the outpatient department of psychiatry at a large west coast HMO. Comparisons were made between self-referred and physician-referred patients in the types of problems presented for treatment. Patients with relationship problems were self-referred more than those with adjustment, anxiety, and mood disorders who were more likely to be physician-referred. HMO patients with a self-referral option appear to enter mental health treatment because of relationship problems at a higher rate than their physician-referred counterparts.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Altman, L., & Goldstein, J. M. (1988). Impact of HMO model type on mental health service delivery: Variation in treatment and approaches.Administration in Mental Health, 15, 246–261.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burstein, A. G., Loucks, S., Raso, S., & Green, P. (1993). Presenting complaints of applicants for psychological services.Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 24, 370–372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feldman, S. (1986). Mental health in health maintenance organizations: A report.Administration in Mental Health, 13, 165–179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goldman, W. (1988). Mental health and substance abuse services in HMOs.Administration in Mental Health, 15, 189–200.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills, T. N. (1980). A study of selected demographic characteristics related to utilization of mental health services.Dissertation Abstracts International, 41, 516B.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miranda, J., Hohmann, A. A., Attkisson, C. C., & Larson, D. B. (1994).Mental disorders in primary care. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Padgett, D. K., Patrick, C., Burns, B. J., & Schleisinger, H. J. (1994). Ethnicity and the use of outpatient mental health services in a national insured population.American Journal of Public Health, 84, 222–226.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shadle, M., & Christianson, J. B. (1988). The organization of mental health care delivery in HMOs.Administration in Mental Health, 15, 230–245.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, G. E., VonKorff, M., & Durham, M. L. (1994). Predictors of outpatient mental health utilization by primary care patients in a mental health organization.American Journal of Psychiatry, 151, 908–913.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wells, K. B., Manning, W., & Benjamin, B. (1986). A comparison of the effects of sociodemographic factors and health status on use of outpatient mental health services in HMO and fee-for-service plans.Medical Care, 24, 949–960.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. San Francisco

    Joslin M. Kimball M.S.W.

  2. School of Social Welfare, University of California, 120 Haviland Hall, 94720, Berkeley, CA

    Lonnie R. Snowden Ph.D. (Professor)

Authors
  1. Joslin M. Kimball M.S.W.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lonnie R. Snowden Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kimball, J.M., Snowden, L.R. Problem type and referral to HMO mental health treatment. Adm Policy Ment Health 24, 399–409 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02042722

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02042722

Keywords

Search

Navigation