Correlates of mental health service utilization among depressed individuals with suicidality

Research identifying factors associated with treatment utilization of individuals at risk for suicide has been inconsistent. This study examines correlates of treatment utilization among depressed patients with and without a lifetime history of suicide attempt. In this retrospective chart review, 37 depressed adults registered to receive treatment at an outpatient clinic agreed to participate. Level of treatment utilization and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were examined. Only having family support (r = -.324; p = .05) and having a history of physical abuse (r = -.384; p = .019) were associated with utilization. Findings highlight the important role of family and the clinician-client relationship as motivators for treatment utilization.