Barriers to and Facilitators of Mental Health Treatment Engagement Among Latina Adolescents.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Latina adolescents are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and less likely to receive mental health treatment than White peers. The purpose of this study is to describe barriers to and facilitators of engagement in depression treatment among Latina adolescents. Twenty-five Latina young women (mean age = 16.7 years) with a history of depressive symptoms during adolescence participated in this qualitative descriptive study. Participants were recruited from clinical and community settings and were interviewed about their experiences with depression treatment. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified barriers to and facilitators of engagement in treatment for depression. Barriers included beliefs about depression and its treatments, negative experiences with treatment, and logistical problems. Facilitators included positive treatment outcomes, meaningful connection with a therapist, and family support of depression treatment. Mental health providers should minimize barriers and maximize facilitators to promote mental health treatment use and engagement among Latina adolescents with depressive symptoms.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Stafford, AM; Draucker, CB

Published Date

  • May 2020

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 56 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 662 - 669

PubMed ID

  • 31853694

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC8084018

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1573-2789

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0010-3853

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1007/s10597-019-00527-0

Language

  • eng