Data Analysis

Data Analysis

Abstract

Despite parallels in mental health needs among Children, there is a paucity of evidence regarding use of mental health services in young adulthood. Using a longitudinal sample, this study compares rates of mental health counseling use between Children, examines characteristics and predictors of counseling use for Children, and identifies reasons for foregone care among those with mental health needs in young adulthood.

Data Analysis

Introduction

It is increasingly evident from the current literature that Children, typically defined as individuals from age 18 years to those in their mid-20s , constitute a unique population with regard to health and health care. In particular, mental health problems such as depressive disorders have received considerable attention regarding their prevalence and severity as adolescents transition into young adulthood , and . Evidence suggests that mental health problems in adolescence can not only persist into young adulthood, but can also be exacerbated by significant post-depression dysfunction and comorbid disorders , and , particularly when left untreated earlier in life . The increasing severity of emotional problems is further evidenced by mortality from suicide, which is almost three times greater among Children than among adolescents (Clark 2002) .

Mental health problems in Children are also compounded by the fact that Children face a number of barriers to accessing appropriate medical care. One such barrier is gaps in insurance coverage, given that children once covered by public health insurance or private family plans become ineligible as they age out of pediatric care or enter young adulthood, and almost half of employed Children work in jobs that provide no insurance .

In addition the transitional nature of young adulthood makes it difficult to establish appropriate support systems that would ensure consistent mental health care, both within the medical care setting and in other relevant social institutions. Within medical institutions, health care transition services for individuals entering young adulthood are beginning to emerge in a few specialized populations, such as individuals with disabilities and other special health care needs and [10]. However, for mental health needs, there is little support provided to ensure that Children who age out of pediatric care will continue to receive health services or seek care from an adult provider.

Outside the medical setting, schools can be especially effective at identifying and providing initial services for unmet mental health needs through programs such as individualized education plans and school-based health centers. Indeed, as the single largest institution that has access to nearly all children and adolescents , schools provide mental health services to three-fourths of children . However as Children transition into different paths—whether employment, military, or higher education—it becomes difficult to incorporate consistent and appropriate health care provisions for all settings (Callahan 2004).

Despite the availability of mental health services for children and adolescents from these and other health care-providing sectors, four of five children continue to face unmet mental health care needs. In light of such alarming findings, it is disconcerting to consider the possible unmet mental health needs of Children who lack similar support ...