REFERRAL REASONS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL-SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

This study examined 391 adult referrals made to a mental health clinic serving individuals with menial retardation, in order to explore the relationship between referral source and referral reason. Each referra l was categorized into I of 8 referral sources (e.g., vocational place ments, day treatment programs) and into I or more of IO behavior categ ories (e.g., depression, externalizing behavior problems). Externalizi ng behaviors were the most common overall referral reason. However, re ferral reason did vary as a function of referral source. Also, sex and mental retardation level were associated with referral reason. Implic ations for assessment practices and future research are considered. Co pyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.