@article{ref1,
title="Voices from minority youth on help-seeking and barriers to mental health services: partnering with school-based health centers",
journal="Ethnicity and disease",
year="2018",
author="Ijadi-Maghsoodi, Roya and Bonnet, Kacy and Feller, Sophie and Nagaran, Kathleen and Puffer, Maryjane and Kataoka, Sheryl",
volume="28",
number="Suppl 2",
pages="437-444",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1049-510X",
doi="10.18865/ed.28.S2.437",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.18865/ed.28.S2.437"
}