2,693
Views
17
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Potential barriers in the therapeutic relationship in unaccompanied refugee minors in mental health

, , &
Pages 372-378 | Received 22 Aug 2017, Accepted 20 Feb 2018, Published online: 24 Apr 2018
 

Abstract

Background: Unaccompanied refugee minors present with disproportionately high prevalence of emotional and psychological morbidities. However, their utilization of mental health services has been shown to be significantly poorer than the indigenous population of the country they seek asylum in. Despite this, there is limited research exploring their perspectives on the barriers they face.

Aims: This research aims to understand unaccompanied refugee minors’ and their carers’ perceptions of the barriers to utilize mental health services and to explore issues perceived to be related to poor engagement with services.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 15 unaccompanied refugee minors and their carers were conducted. This was to elicit their views, perceptions and beliefs based on their experience of receiving treatment from a specialist mental health service in the UK.

Results: Thematic analysis was used and the findings were categorised into two broad themes; the participants' perceptions of the intervention and perceptions of the professionals. Salient aspects of these are discussed.

Conclusions: The findings have potential to stimulate further research into gaining a better understanding of the barriers these young people face in accessing help, and may contribute to developing services that are more efficient in engaging this vulnerable group and meeting their specific needs.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.