Exploring barriers to seek mental health services among patients with severe mental illness and their caregivers in a modified assertive community treatment program: A qualitative thematic analysis

Abstract

Background: Affordability, lack of public mental healthcare facilities, inadequate insurance coverage, and stigma and discrimination are barriers to mental healthcare utilization in India. There is limited research on these barriers and the factors influencing the use of mental health services. Aim: To explore the barriers to seeking mental healthcare for individuals with severe mental illness and their caregivers in a modified assertive community treatment program. Methods: In a qualitative study using a descriptive thematic analysis, we conducted in-depth interviews with 19 adults, including seven individuals with severe mental illness and twelve caregivers. All the participants had been in the modified assertive community treatment program for at least two years. Using thematic analysis, we identified and grouped codes into subthemes and then clustered into themes. Results: Three major themes on barriers to seeking mental health services emerged: service-related factors, societal-related factors, and illness-related factors. Service-related factors included affordability, accessibility and geographical disparity, and noncoverage under insurance schemes. Societal-related factors included social stigma and discrimination, lack of mental health service knowledge and seeking other forms of treatment, and poor social support. Illness-related factors included poor insight into the illness and no relief from the symptoms despite medication. Conclusions: Barriers to seeking mental healthcare can be categorized as service-related, societal-related, and illness-related. Identifying these factors will improve mental health service delivery.