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In this study, utilization patterns in an outpatient child and adolescent population were examined. Two hundred thirty two ambulatory records in a Puerto Rico Metropolitan Area Mental Health Center were reviewed. the sample consisted of all children and adolescents attended from July 1st, 1987 through june 30, 1998. The study included pattern use criteria widely accepted in the literatur such as, sociodemographic characteristics (age, education, residence zone, sex and parental educational level), diagnostic categories, treatment duration, reasons for termination, readmissions and follow-up subsequent to termination.Results indicate the following: males utilize services more frequently than females, the public school refers the greatest number of participants, the most frequent diagnosis were adjustment disorders and developmental disorders and the main reason for treatment termination was patient drop-out. The conclusiones point out the need to perform research on quality assurance, on variables associated with treatment outcomes and on aspects related to program efficiency.
