Psychosocial predictors of adolescent depression and mental health referral in an urban mobile medical unit programme
Richardson, Alia; Cade-Bell, Icy; DeRoo, Madison; Foushi, Blair; Wang, Emily; Knitter, Alexandra; Volerman, Anna
Why this matters
Adolescent screening can uncover mental health needs that require substantial referral capacity. Among 326 adolescent patients, one in five had moderate to severe depression symptoms and 16.6 percent received a mental health referral.
Abstract
Given worsening youth mental health over the past years, mobile medical units are a potential avenue to increase access to mental healthcare services. This retrospective study examined psychosocial assessments and mental health referrals for 326 adolescent patients. Results showed one in five had moderate to severe depression symptoms. Female gender identity, LGBTQ+ identity, and specific psychosocial factors predicted referral to mental healthcare. While 13.8% desired mental health referral and 16.6% received one, all patients with moderate to severe depression who were not already connected to mental healthcare and wanted a referral were referred.