Do Needs Drive Services Use in Young Children?

Abstract

The correlates of problem recognition (defined as thinking about seeking services or actually speaking to a professional about a problem) differ from those of service use, and, whereas mental health, physical health, and developmental problems all affect problem recognition, mental health problems do not result in service use. Furthermore, rates of service use vary dramatically across the 3 categories. These results suggest that needs alone do not drive service use. Rather, other factors may influence which needs are met.