Access to mental health for Black youths in Alberta
Abstract
This study examined barriers that influence
access to and use of mental health services by Black youth in Alberta. Interviews and conversation café-style focus groups with the youth highlighted key barriers that can limit access to and utilization of
mental health services by Black youth, including a lack of cultural inclusion and safety, a lack of knowledge/information on mental health services, the cost of mental health services, geographical barriers, stigma and judgmentalism, and limits of resilience. Findings confirm diverse/intersecting barriers that collectively perpetuate disproportional access to and uptake of mental health services by Black youths.
Notes
Open access: No
Key recommendations:
- Diversify the mental health service workforce.
- Increase the availability and quality of mental health services in Black-dominated neighbourhoods.
- Embed anti-racist practices and intercultural competencies in mental health service delivery.
Key populations: Black youth in Alberta (both Canadian-born and immigrant youth) ages 16 to 30 years old
Integration timeline: not defined
Location: Alberta (not otherwise specified)
Key findings:
Key barriers to accessing mental health services included:
- Lack of cultural safety, inclusion and representation in service delivery.
- Lack of knowledge and information on mental health services.
- Economic barriers
- Geographical and locational barriers
- Mental health stigma in Black communities.
- Over-emphasis on hardiness and self-sufficiency at the detriment to mental health.
- Intersectional oppressions
Future research / gaps identified:
The majority of participants were female- include a wider variety of male and gender diverse participants in future studies.
Community organizations: n/a
