Using the MEPS to Explain Current Mental Health Service Sector Use

Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, this research explores differences in service sector use for depression treatment for children, adults and the elderly. Specifically, do certain patient characteristics explain whether mental health care is received in the general medical care sector, the mental health care sector, or a combination of the two? Initial analyses include chi-square and logit models to explore and explain mental health service sector use. The dependent variable was service sector use for depression, defined as (1) psychiatry only, (2) general medical care plus other non-MD mental health care, (3) general medical care only, and (4) non-MD mental health care only. Initial results show that the elderly primarily receive mental health care for depression form the general medical care sector (65%), while children primarily receive services from a psychiatrist (58%). Initial logit results show mixed results. For the elderly, having a usual source of care, age, physical health and education significantly predict service sector type. For adults, gender, mental health status, marital status, and mental health comorbidities predict service sector use for depression. For children, gender, having a usual source of care, and mental health comorbidities affect service sector use for depression. In conclusion, service sector use for depression varies among age groups and services are received in a wide variety of settings. Further research should explore why the elderly prefer using primary care only for depression treatment, and how the organization and financing of care can be structured to deliver optimal depression treatment across service sectors.