Income Differences in Persons Seeking Outpatient Treatment for Mental Disorders

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Abstract
IMPROVING EQUITY in mental health care within a country—guaranteeing that those in need receive services independently of the person's ability to pay1—is increasingly relevant as national policies seek to modify disease outcomes.2 However, there is considerable cross-national variation in how the organization and financing of mental health services are designed to provide equity in access and quality of treatment. Some countries, such as Turkey, have failed to develop a special health care program for the poor,3 while others, such as the United States, have developed separate health care programs for those unable to pay.4 Still other countries, such as Canada, have established universal health insurance plans explicitly designed to provide equality in the opportunity for treatment regardless of ability to pay.5