| This dissertation empirically investigates mental health care expenditures between community mental health care providers, using a spatial panel data model. Specifically, it explores the spatial interdependency in the publicly funded mental health care system of Detroit-Wayne County with a spatial dynamic panel data model with individual effects and other controls. A transformation approach is applied to ensure consistency of the estimates. Results support some degree of interdependence between neighboring sites/clinics and time dynamics in terms of their gross revenue. The study also provides other implications like significance of mental health managed care and Medicaid expansion. As the first study to consider this feature of the mental health care system, the results provide theoretical insights to policy makers. |
