Barriers and new directions in mental health services research in the primary care setting

Reviewed current knowledge of mental health services in primary care settings, examined barriers to conducting research, and proposed topics and methods for further study. Services research in primary care settings is increasingly recognized as a critical component of the effort to improve the care of children with mental health problems because a large number of children are evaluated and treated by primary care providers. Although the need for primary care research has become more apparent, a number of methodologic issues confront services investigators. The barriers to this type of research are substantial and will require innovations in design and collaboration among disciplines.