Abstract
A total of 223 households were surveyed, including 70% from low social classes. There was a high prevalence of 'mental health problems', yet a majority of the persons affected sought no help. Very few people considered the mental health center as a resource and local physicians were the overwhelming choice for those who would seek help. A large percentage of lower class people did know the purpose of the clinic but saw mental health problems in a pejorative fashion. Fear of being identified as mentally ill was an effective barrier to seeking services. The findings suggest that long term community education, idigenous workers, and back up services to local physicians would facilitate mental health service to the community.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 335-339 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Archives of General Psychiatry |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 1974 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
- Psychiatry and Mental health
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Cite this
Lee, S. H., Gianturco, D. T., & Eisdorfer, C. (1974). Community Mental Health Center Accessibility: A Survey of the Rural Poor. Archives of General Psychiatry, 31(3), 335-339. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1974.01760150049007