Mental Health Service use Among Suicidal Adolescents: Findings From a U.S. National Community Survey

This study assessed patterns of mental health service use among adolescents who had attempted suicide & examined factors associated with their service use at individual, family, & community levels. Bivariate & multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted with data from 877 adolescents who had attempted suicide in the past 12 months. Less than half reported they had used mental health services in the past 12 months. Adolescents from racial-ethnic minority groups were less likely than whites to receive in- or outpatient mental health treatment, even after controlling for other characteristics. Use of school-based mental health services was associated only with participation in extracurricular activities. Mental health services offered within school settings can reach suicidal adolescents who need services but may experience barriers to standard types of care. (50 refs.)