Need for and Use of Mental Health Services Among Parents of Children in the Head Start Program

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of psychosocial difficulties and use of mental health services among 290 parents of children in the Head Start program. Data on demographic characteristics, child behavior problems, parents' difficulties, home environment, child behavior, and use of health services were collected. A total of 161 parents (56 percent) had identifiable psychosocial difficulties, and 41 (14 percent) reported use of mental health services in the previous 12 months. Child behavior problems, unmet need for mental and physical health services, and less optimal home environments were associated with parents' psychosocial difficulties. Parents who had an unmet need for mental health services were more likely to report behavior problems among their children.