Mental Health Shortfalls: Perceptions of Unmet Needs and Barriers and Facilitators to Receiving Care

Understanding the perspectives of individuals with mental health concerns and the influence of barriers and facilitators on treatment access can help mental health professionals ensure that those they serve receive needed care. The current study examined these factors in an online survey among 295 adults self-identifying as diagnosed with a mental health condition, which they felt was uncontrolled by intervention or psychiatric medication and impacted their daily lives. Most participants were not receiving psychotherapy or psychiatric medication, although some were accessing care and indicating unmet needs. A majority expressed a desire for more specialized care. Positive perception of providers, higher distress, and greater stigma tolerance were related to greater openness towards receiving psychotherapy and greater openness to psychotherapy, higher distress, and lower perceived barriers were associated with psychotherapy receipt. The relationship between openness towards psychotherapy and receipt was also stronger for those who perceived lower barriers to care. Advocacy and efforts to promote positive attitudes and reduce barriers by mental health practitioners and professional organizations may help support treatment access.