Factors contributing to the utilization of mental health services in a rural setting.

The purpose of this study was to examine if age, attitudes toward help-seeking, education, and sex were related to previous or intended future mental health utilization in a rural population. Data were collected via a mail survey from 438 adults. Regression analyses suggested that positive attitudes toward help-seeking, being female, and being younger were significantly related to both previous and intended future mental health service utilization. In addition, prior mental health use was significantly related to whether one would seek out mental health services in the future, Implications for mental health practitioners in rural settings are addressed, and limitations of the study discussed.

Comparison of medical students, medical school faculty, primary care physicians, and the general population on attitudes toward psychological help-seeking.

This study is a preliminary comparison of the attitudes of osteopathic medical students, medical school faculty, primary care providers, and the general population toward seeking professional psychological help. Attitudes were also studied in the former three groups for those who had and had not previously received mental health services. 103 medical students, 22 faculty, 31 primary care providers, and 395 people from the general population responded to the mail-out survey. Attitudes toward help-seeking were more negative among the general population group than among students and providers. For these students, faculty, and providers, attitudes toward seeking help were more positive if they reported having received mental health services in the past.