With Better Outcomes?

Access to outpatient services within the first 30 days after an inpatient mental health epi-sode may influence relapse risk. A retrospec-tive cohort of 3,755 adult Medicaid mental health inpatients discharged from their first managed care acute episode of care from July 1, 1996, through May 20, 1998, were studied. Results showed patients ’ utilization of any psychotherapy (OR=. 43), medication man-agement (OR=. 41), or diagnostic evaluation services (OR=. 61), relative to no utilization, was associated with significantly lower 30-day readmission rates, and longer times in remission. However, patients receiving above the median total number of ambulatory ser-vices, or having contact with more providers showed significantly greater likelihood of 30-day readmission, and shorter time in remission. Findings heighten the need for the availability of timely risk-reducing mental health outpatient services, the continuity and risk of fragmentation of therapeutic relation-ships, as well as crisis planning before an inpatient discharge. OUTPATIEN