Self-rated assessment of needs for mental health care: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

This study explored perceived mental healthrelated needs and barriers to meeting them in primary and mental health care settings. Fifty-one participants completed the Perceived Need for Care Questionnaire and an interview to qualitatively explore the meanings behind selfidentified needs for medication, information, counselling, practical help, and skills development. Qualitative content analysis indicated perceived needs for care are multifaceted. Dissatisfaction with taking medication may coexist with perceiving medication needs as met; information needs predominantly concerned wanting to better understand one's illness; and communication was the main perceived barrier to meeting these need..