The long term effects of untreated mental health need for individuals, families and society has prompted a number of federal policy statements encouraging the use of evidence-based programs (EBP) in children's healthcare. However, among other challenges of evidence-based practice implementation, states often do not know where to make investments based on population need. In this paper we present the use of a Geographic Information System approach to undertake a mental health needs assessment for Washington State. Our study found that this technology can be beneficially applied to conducting needs assessment for EBP implementation, and we provide recommendations for future applications.
Keywords: Children’s mental health; Evidence-based practice; Geographic information systems; Implementation; Service deserts.