Increasing utilization of behavioral health services for distressed youth and their families is a compelling public health imperative. Public perceptions and attitudes toward child therapy impact behavioral health care utilization rates. This study investigated adults’ attitudes toward child psychotherapy using a new survey method and instrument. A real-world intercept survey design where data is collected from individuals while they are entering or exiting common locations such as malls and retail stores was employed. Respondents were asked to complete the Attitudes and Perceptions of Child Psychotherapy Scale, which is an 18-item consumer-centric instrument. One hundred adult individuals completed the survey focusing on the perceived value of services/providers (product dimension) and the types of providers preferred by the public (promotion dimension). The findings yielded several compelling results. Pediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists were seen as the most trustworthy and effective clinical providers. Further, pediatricians were viewed as the most necessary health care provider for children. Reputation, utilization of treatments that work, and being referred by a trusted source were the top reasons for choosing a behavioral health provider. Finally, clinical improvement and children’s relationship with the provider were the most highly rated factors to consider when receiving treatment. Implications are discussed in terms of increasing mental health literacy and developing materials that engage potential consumers of pediatric behavioral health care.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.