Improving access to and engagement with mental health services among young people from refugee backgrounds: service user and provider perspectives

Abstract

Limited research has been conducted worldwide on the experiences that children and young people from refugee backgrounds have with mental health services, despite evidence that they have significant vulnerability to the development of mental health problems and to suicidal behaviour and that those with mental ill-health typically underutilise services. The authors were particularly interested in barriers and facilitators to service access and engagement, and conducted two qualitative research projects to improve understanding of the issues–the first with service providers experienced in the refugee area and the second with young refugee service users. The aim of this project was to compare t..