What factor does NOT contribute to HPSA scores for mental health?

The factor that does not contribute to Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) scores for mental health is related to a patient’s job satisfaction. HPSA scores are primarily concerned with the availability and access to healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations. The metrics used to determine these scores include factors that reflect the geographical and demographic characteristics related to healthcare provision.

Youth ratio, travel time to healthcare services, and substance abuse prevalence are all significant in assessing the need for mental health services. The youth ratio helps to identify the population that may require mental health services, as younger populations can have specific mental health needs. Travel time is a critical factor in determining access to care; longer travel times can indicate that healthcare resources are sparse, requiring a higher HPSA score. Substance abuse prevalence reflects an important aspect of mental health needs in a community, as areas with higher substance abuse issues typically require more mental health resources.

In contrast, a patient’s job satisfaction does not directly measure the availability of mental health services or the overall need for such services within a community. While job satisfaction can impact a person's mental health, it is not used in the calculation of HPSA scores, which focus on demographic and geographical factors relevant to healthcare access and shortages.