Citation

Ijadi-Maghsoodi R, Bonnet K, Feller S, Nagaran K, Puffer M, Kataoka S. Ethn. Dis. 2018; 28(Suppl 2): 437-444.

Affiliation

UCLA Center for Health Services and Society, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, International Society on Hypertension in Blacks)

DOI

10.18865/ed.28.S2.437

PMID

30202197

PMCID

PMC6128338

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Schools and school-based health centers (SBHCs) play an important role in reducing disparities in access to mental health treatment. However, there is a need to increase student engagement in school mental health services. This study sought to understand the perceptions of low-income minority youth on help-seeking and barriers to mental health services at SBHC sites. SETTING: A network of SBHCs, called Wellness Centers, developed as part of a strategic plan to serve students and community members in under-resourced areas of a large urban school district. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURES: We conducted focus groups with 76 middle and high school students at nine SBHC sites through a community-academic partnered approach from January to May 2014. The focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and major themes coded with Atlas.ti.5.1.

RESULTS: Students identified teachers as a primary source of support for mental health issues, followed by peers and mental health counselors. Students felt that trust and connection were vital for help-seeking. Barriers to using SBHCs included: embarrassment; fear of judgment; concerns about confidentiality; a sense that they should keep things inside; and lack of awareness.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the resources available at SBHCs, students face barriers to help-seeking. SBHCs can help teachers and school staff gain awareness of mental health issues and services available to students. The students' recommendations-making SBHCs more comfortable, raising mental health awareness, and bolstering connections with school and SBHC staff-may improve engagement in mental health services at schools with SBHCs.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescents; Mental Health Services; Minority Health; Qualitative Research; School-based Health Centers; Schools