Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2025

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Barriers to mental health service utilization among Arab society in Israel: Perspectives from service providers
Anwar Khatib1, Fareeda Abo-Rass2, Ahmad Khatib3
1Department of Social Work, Zefat Academic College, Zefat, Israel; Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Abstract:
This study attempted to identify the barriers to the utilization of mental health services among the Arab society in Israel, as perceived by professionals working with this population. Twenty-seven therapists from community mental health services participated in structured in-depth interviews with at least 5 years of experience. Five main types of barriers to the utilization of mental health services were discovered: barriers related to attitudes and perceptions regarding mental disorders and their treatment, low literacy in the field of mental health, exposure and stigma, family characteristics and cultural values, and instrumental barriers. Flexibility and sensitivity to the socio-cultural context of the target population while allocating resources to create equality in access to mental health care may increase the utilization of mental health services in a traditional society such as the Arab society in Israel.
Related Concept Videos
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Surveys
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...

