Systematic review of barriers and facilitators to accessing and engaging with mental health care among at‐risk young people

Abstract

This systematic review highlights that young people from potentially disadvantaged groups have distinct needs that must be recognized to improve their experiences with mental health care. Future research of good methodological quality with young people is needed to increase accessibility of, and engagement with, mental health care.

Issues for eHealth in Psychiatry: Results of an Expert Survey

“…Although partly reflecting issues of stigma, confidentiality, and trust (identified as separate issues in this discussion), poor engagement encompasses additional factors that reduce the likelihood of meaningful initiation, participation in, and completion of therapy once enlisted in care. In addition to accidental causes of missed treatment, such as forgotten appointments or technical issues, mental health–specific factors include variable perceptions of treatment utility among patients and carers [46], prevalent delays around treatment [47,48], the alignment of available services with personal conceptions of mental health, and preferences for different styles and modes of therapy [46,49]. Poor engagement also extends to participation in mental health service design [50] and research [51].…”

A Web- and Mobile-Based Map of Mental Health Resources for Postsecondary Students (Thought Spot): Protocol for an Economic Evaluation (Preprint)

“…Barriers to seeking help include stigma and embarrassment, trust and confidentiality concerns, poor mental health literacy, negative attitudes or shame around seeking professional help and lack of knowledge about where to get help [23][24][25][26]. These findings highlight the need for an intervention that helps youth overcome barriers to seeking help.…”

Transitions through homelessness: the impact of psychosocial factors on well-being and outcomes in a homeless sample

“…For example, people experiencing homelessness have high rates of mortality and morbidity compared to general population (Fazel, Geddes, & Kushel, 2014). Compounding these issues, there are generally low reported rates of access and uptake of health care and psychosocial support services (Black & Gronda, 2011;Brown et al, 2016;Kushel et al, 2001). The current study adds to the growing literature demonstrating the importance of psychosocial approaches within a homeless context to address these issues (Biswas-Diener & Diener, 2006;Johnstone et al, 2016;Walter et al, 2016;Walter et al, 2015).…”

“…Further research and policy that focuses on a 'homeless identity' may risk presenting people who are experiencing homelessness as one-dimensional (Sommerville, 2013) and overlook how individuals may experience their homeless situation in terms of more positive identities. Last, although it is well recognised within services that positive relationships with workers is important (Brown et al, 2016), we suggest that identifying with other residents may also be a resource.…”

“…The current study aims to examine specifically how various aspects of the service environment relate to identification with service staff and other residents. In the literature, it has generally been proposed that service location, overly restrictive rules, lack of autonomy, and lack of privacy deter service use and engagement (Acosta & Toro, 2000;Anderson et al, 2006;Biederman & Nichols, 2014;Brown, Rice, Rickwood, & Parker, 2016;Canavan et al, 2012;Hoffman & Coffey, 2008;Kushel, Vittinghoff, & Hass, 2001;Padgett et al, 1990;Stevenson et al, 2014). Important as this work is, there has been limited examination of how variations in these service delivery systems influence individuals' sense of belonging at the service.…”