Interorganizational Cooperation in Community Mental Health: A Resource-Based Explanation of Referrals and Case Coordination

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Abstract
Using data collected from mental health services delivery systems in 4 cities, this study examines the relationship between resource acquisition, resource utilization, and 3 types of cooperative, client-based interorganizational relationships: referrals received, referrals sent, and case coordination. Relationships were first explored for all 138 agencies in all 4 systems and then under conditions of environmental resource scarcity versus munificence, as measured by per capital mental health spending by the state. Results generally supported the 3 hypotheses proposed but were strongest for case coordination and for systems embedded in resource-scarce environments. Implications of the results for policy and research are discussed as they pertain to building a better understanding of conditions conducive to cooperation among health and human service agencies that provide community-based services to the severely mentally ill and other client groups with long-term needs.