The Relationship Between Parental Help-Seeking Behaviors and Youth Mental Health Access

Challenges with mental health are increasing for youth both in the U.S. and globally. This systematic review of literature explores the relationship between stigma and parental help-seeking behaviors related to their child's mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness is pervasive and often acts as a barrier to treatment, especially for youth. This systematic review consists of research on parental stigma, child mental health concerns, mental health intervention and education strategies for parents, and cultural competence within mental health care. Themes that emerged in the review relate to disconnected access, cultural perspectives, family experiences and understandings, and parent education and intervention programs. Findings from the review reveal that when parental attitudes about mental health are negative or they associate mental illness with stigma, their help-seeking behaviors often decrease, lowering children's access to treatment. The literature highlighted that many parents avoid seeking help for youth mental illness due to stigma, a lack of knowledge on identifying mental health issues, and not knowing where to seek help. Raising awareness about mental health stigma can foster more open communication and create more access for youth.