Understanding how costs affect mental health care attendance
Official title: Economic precarity, costs, and continuity of mental health care
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11138075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the costs of healthcare affect people with depression when it comes to keeping their psychiatric appointments, and it aims to find ways, like using telehealth and reminders, to help more patients show up for their visits and get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $183,056 |
| NIH project number | 1K01MH137318-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with depression who may face financial barriers to accessing mental health care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of depression or those who do not experience financial barriers to care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of out-of-pocket healthcare costs on patients' ability to attend psychiatric appointments, particularly for those suffering from depression. It aims to identify factors that lead to missed appointments and explore how clinical features like telehealth and appointment reminders can improve attendance. By analyzing data from over 23,000 patients, the study seeks to develop strategies that enhance continuity of care and reduce disparities in mental health services. The findings could help tailor interventions to support patients in maintaining their mental health treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved attendance at mental health appointments, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes for patients with depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing financial barriers and improving appointment adherence can significantly enhance mental health care outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ettman, Catherine K — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ettman, Catherine K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.