Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate research activity on barriers for minority and underserved groups to access and use mental health services.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Scopus, relevant articles published from 1993 to 2022 were collected. The final list included 122 articles.
Findings
Research hotspots included cultural and ethnic barriers, obstacles encountered by LGBTQ+ individuals, challenges faced by refugees and immigrants, limited access in rural areas and barriers affecting special populations. The top 10 cited articles focused on language barriers, cultural stigma, gender-specific challenges and systemic obstacles. New research avenues included the role of technology in overcoming barriers to access mental health services.
Practical implications
Policymakers and practitioners can use this knowledge to develop targeted interventions, enhance cultural competence, reduce stigma, improve rural access and provide LGBTQ+-affirming care, ultimately promoting equitable mental health care.
Social implications
This research underscores the importance of addressing mental health service barriers for equity and social justice. Neglecting these disparities can worsen mental health, increase health-care costs, reduce productivity and lead to higher social welfare expenses, perpetuating disadvantages.
Originality/value
This paper's uniqueness lies in its comprehensive analysis of barriers and facilitators to mental health service utilization among minority and underserved groups. It serves as a basis for developing evidence-based strategies to improve service accessibility and enhance the well-being of marginalized communities.
Subject
Health (social science),Pshychiatric Mental Health,Psychiatry and Mental health
Reference56 articles.
1. Barriers to mental health service use among Palestinian-Arab women in Israel: psychological distress as moderator;International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,2022
2. Developing a gender sensitive women's mental health service in Qatar: a rewarding challenge;Asian Journal of Psychiatry,2022
3. Barriers to integrated primary care and specialty mental health services: perspectives from Latinx and non-Latinx white primary care patients;Psychological Services,2022
4. Lost trust in the system”: system barriers to publicly available mental health and substance use services for transgender women in San Francisco;BMC Health Services Research,2022
5. Reduced life expectancy and serious mental illness;Psychiatric Services,1999