Principal Investigator: Michael Polgar, Ph.D.
Funder: National Institute of Mental Health (R03 MH 59108)
Timeframe: 08/99-07/03
Affiliation: Center for Mental Health Services Research (CMHSR)Project Staff: David Gillespie, PhD, Investigator
Curtis McMillen, PhD, Investigator
Arlene Stiffman, PhD, Investigator
Ed Spitznagel, PhD, Statistician
Project Contact: Michael Polgar, PhD, Coordinator, 570-450-3101
E-mail: mfp11@psu.eduProject Update as of 08/19/04:
Status: Completed
Forthcoming, In Press, or Published Papers:Polgar, M. & Cabassa L. (2001). Continuity of Mental Health Care for Young
Adults. Focal Point, 15(1), 11-12.
Description
Systems of care for youth should smooth transitions from child mental health services into adult mental health services. Although organizational networks have been examined among child systems and adults systems, there is little information available on linkages between the two systems that would smooth the transition between the two. This project identified and analyzed inter-organizational bridges to show how they promote institutional transitions between child and adults systems of care, illuminating the pathways for youth in transition between child and adult systems. This project identified and described organizations providing mental health services to youth with severe emotional disturbances and/or young adults with serious mental illnesses in the St. Louis region. Key informants within provider organizations were surveyed to obtain organizational information, inter-organizational network relationships, and system performance evaluations. Research examined the coordination of youth and adult mental health services, referral networks indicated the presence and extent of pathways from youth to adult service systems. Organizational variation in the use of these bridging mechanisms at service transition points were the subject of analysis. This project sought to accomplish three goals. First, to identify inter-organizational patterns that promote continuity of care, foster therapeutic alliances, and avoid discontinuities or gaps that dissuade or impede persons in need of mental health care. Second, it compared provider perceptions of system performance across different organizations, examining system accessibility, quality, and coordination. Third, the research team examined the association of structural location with system performance evaluations.For frequently asked questions and answers about this project click here