A Preliminary Study for the Perceived Need and Use of Child Mental Health Services

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to identify the degree of perceived need and use of child mental health services, and to examine the factors associated with the perceived need and use of the child mental health services. Methods: The sample consisted of 3,477 children aged 8 to 13 years. The parents completed the sociodemographic data, the Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist (K-CBCL), and the Korean version of DuPaul’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (K-ARS). Results: Overall, 10% of children demonstrated the need for mental health services, and 2.36% utilized the child mental health services. All subcategory scores of K-CBCL and K-ARS were significantly low in the no help needed group. Factors associated with the actual use of child mental health services included social problems and thought problems. Conclusion: The demand for child mental health services is high, but only a small number of children are using mental health services. To increase actual use, it is necessary to educate and campaign for various child mental health.