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Abstract

This paper identifies the key organizational and environmental characteristics that affect the performance of community mental health centers (CMHCs). Performance is conceptualized on both effectiveness and efficiency dimensions. Community length of stay of clients was used as an effectiveness measure, and utilization of mandated CMHC services as an efficiency measure for the study of 40 community mental health care organizations. Results for community length of stay indicate that client age, median income of the community, rural location, management type and board composition all affect both community length of stay and utilization of day support services and residential services. Furthermore, the relationship between utilization and community length of stay is identified.

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Ozcan, Y.A. Community length of stay as a determinant of CMHC performance. Adm Policy Ment Health 22, 405–422 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02106688

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