In the fall of 1999, Sage Associates conducted an evaluation of mental health services delivered through five agencies funded by Title I of the Ryan White Care Act. A total of 2,353 surveys were mailed to individuals throughout the community (3,059 less 707 returned with bad addresses). Of these, 361 individuals responded to the mailing and participated through mailed surveys and/or personal interviews; a 15.3% response rate based on an ad hoc mailed survey. This is comparable to similar studies, with rates lower than 10% (Parker and McCrohan, 1983). In addition, 50 charts were randomly selected for content review from files maintained by the involved agencies.

The evaluation found that 88% of clients receiving mental health services within the past two years were satisfied with the services. The services had positively impacted their health status and ability to adhere to medical regimens and drug protocols, reduced episodes of depression and anxiety, and improved social functioning. There was a statistically significant improvement in access to mental health services from 1998 to 1999.

Recommendations for program enhancement include more group programs customized to specific target populations, e.g. "heterosexual" groups; more public information promoting existing services; and increased access or increased placement of mental health services in geographically diverse areas of the community. The review also identified the need for enhanced training programs across disciplines and staff positions. Variations in charting protocol impeded comparisons of client progress across service categories and resulted in recommendations for standardization of terminology and increased training for agency staff.

Funded by the Ryan White Planning Council