Utilization of specialty mental health organizations by older adults: US national profile

Data from the four most recent biennial inventories of mental health organizations and general hospital mental health services conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (1988 through 1994) were used to examine utilization of specialty mental health organizations by older adults. The data show steady inverse trends in utilization rates for inpatient and ambulatory care. The oldest clients (age 75 and older) had both the highest percentage decrease in use of inpatient services and the highest percentage increase in use of ambulatory services. The expected growth of the older adult population will challenge the ability of systems of care to maintain or increase the rate of ambulatory mental health care.