There are disparities in mental health services (MHS) utilization within and between populations and several factors are studied as its potential correlates. Identifying those correlates would help health policy makers to adjust service provision with characteristics of their community.

To evaluate demographic, socioeconomic and system correlates of MHS utilization among married women from Tehran, Iran.

A household survey of 615 married women residents of 22 municipal districts of Tehran selected via a cluster sampling method. All subjects were asked about health services utilization during last one and 12 months as well as need and access for MHS, demographic and socioeconomic factors. Independent correlates of MHS use were determined with logistic regression analysis.

Total 615 women, mean±SE age and duration of marital life of 42.6±0.9 and 22±0.8 years, respectively were selected, rate of MHS utilization during last one and 12 months were 5.2% and 10.1% respectively. 23.6% of women reported having mental illness and 19.3% and 17.9% had need for MHS and access to outpatient health services, respectively. Logistic regression models showed that need for MHS (OR:5.25, 95%CI:2.7–10.1), access to outpatient services (OR:2.17, 95%CI:1.04–4.52), smoking (OR:3.4, 95%CI:1.16–10.2) and crowding index (OR:0.69, 95%CI:0.48–0.99).

Rate of MHS utilization in women are low considering the near to estimated rate of perceived illness. Bridging the gap between perceived illness and need for services, then providing better access to services in areas with higher crowding index and higher rates of smoking in residents should considered in any mental health promotion programs.