METHODS: Interviews were conducted with a probability sample of 3,435 adults. The vari­ables examined include measures of mental health; social and demographic factors; and enabling factors relevant to the help-seeking process.

RESULTS: Subjective and objective measures of mental health were associated with the recognition of a mental health problem. The objective assessment of definite need for services was relevant for the use of formal services. However, the subjects' perception of poor mental health was strongly related to receiving care from a mental health specialist. Although interaction with social networks is associated with use of formal services, low economic strain is related to receiving care from the specialty sector.

CONCLUSIONS: The results support the importance of using multiple measures of mental health problems. The finding that individuals' perceived economic strain increases the likelihood of receiving special­ized care suggests that studies of economic barriers to the use of mental health services might benefit from the adoption of measures that assess perceived economic circum­stances.