Barriers to Accessing Community Mental Health Services for Migrant Youth
Abstract
The study explored the barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health services by migrant youth. Participants were asked two questions: 1) “What are the mental health stressors that you face?” and 2) “What would stop you from talking to someone about mental health stress?” 30 migrant youth between the ages of 16 and 22 from a mid-sized city in central Canada were interviewed. The data was analyzed using group concept mapping. For question one, mental health stressors, participants grouped the statements into seven concepts, including: Family, Isolation, Communication, Anxiety, Overburdened, School Difficulties and Working with Others. For question two, barriers to accessing mental health services, participants grouped the statements into five concepts, including: Fear of Being Misunderstood or Ignored, Desire for Confidentiality, Lack of Trust and Understanding, Talking About it is not Helpful and/or Taboo and Fear of the Disclosure Process. The results were compared and contrasted with the literature.