High School Students’ Perceived Barriers to Counseling Services: Implications for Mental Health Utilization in Schools

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Division E Section 1 Poster Session

Abstract

Research has examined perceived barriers preventing adults from seeking and receiving mental health care. Fewer have examined factors that inhibit or likewise support youth accessing and utilizing psychological counseling services. Through focus groups conducted with 19 students in one high school located in southern California, this preliminary study examined youths’ perception of barriers that inhibit their utilization of support services. Findings suggest the importance of increasing mental health literacy across stake holders, the central role the school plays in providing “front-line” services, and linking students to comprehensive mental health services within the community. Implications will focus on access and utilization highlighting the importance of providing a wide range of counseling services to youth and reinforcing the important role of schools.

Authors

• Janee Brooke Both Gragg, University of Redlands

• Lawrence Matthew Scheier, LARS Research Institute, Inc.

• Debra Warner, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology