Mental Health Access Study

Department of Health and Human Services

Buyer seeks a contractor to conduct a comprehensive study on wait times and barriers to accessing pediatric mental health care in Utah. The study will analyze factors affecting access including demographics, insurance types, provider availability, and geographic location. Buyer requires both quantitative and qualitative research methods including parent surveys, with findings to inform policy recommendations.

• 7/21/2025 - Proposal Due Date
• 5/31/2026 - Preliminary Report Due
• 5/31/2027 - Final Report Due

• Minimum five years in university level research
• Principal investigator with doctorate degree
• Principal investigator employed by a university
• Minimum three years experience in mental health research
• Must be a public university within Utah

• Measure wait times between initial referral and first mental health appointment
• Analyze follow-up appointment timeframes and patterns
• Identify demographic factors affecting wait times and drop-out rates
• Compare wait times across geographic regions and provider types
• Develop appropriate data collection methods protecting patient privacy
• Conduct surveys with parents regarding experiences accessing care
• Analyze insurance and payor types including high-deductible plans
• Develop policy recommendations based on data analysis
• Submit preliminary findings report by May 31, 2026
• Present final report with policy recommendations by May 31, 2027