Barriers to Outpatient Mental Health Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Parental Perspectives

Abstract

Parents (n = 46) of children admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility voluntarily completed demographic information, the Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale, and 3 open-ended questions about their child's prior outpatient treatment. Families with a prior referral for family therapy reported significantly more barriers to treatment. The main categories that emerged from open-ended questions included access issues, family discord or crises, and treatment not meeting expectations. Participants' advice to others in similar circumstances suggested that parents should be proactive and persistent and improve communication with caregivers. The findings are discussed, and recommendations are presented.