Exploring the Prevalence of Unmet Mental Health Needs Across Race and Immigration Status in Canada: A Comparative Analysis of the 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey (MHACS)
Abstract
The rise of mental health issues in Canada underscores disparities in access to care, with many individuals avoiding or unable to obtain treatment due to social and economic barriers. Unmet mental health needs—cases where treatment is inadequate or not received—are particularly prevalent among racialized groups and immigrants. This study examines the impact of race and migration status on unmet mental health needs among individuals with poor/fair mental health or diagnosed mental health conditions. Using a modified Poisson regression, we assessed the magnitude of unmet mental health needs among Non-Racialized Foreign Born, Racialized Foreign Born, and Racialized Domestic Born individuals relative to Non-Racialized Domestic Born individuals, using data from the 2022 Mental Health and Access to Care Survey (MHACS). Racialized Foreign Born individuals had a higher magnitude of unmet needs compared to Non-Racialized Domestic Born individuals (PR: 1.12, CI:1.04-1.20). Efforts to de-stigmatize mental health care and improve accessibility are encouraged.