Attitudes toward mental health services among homeless and matched housed youth

ABSTRACT

Homeless youth experience high rates of mental health problems yet they under-utilize mental health services. The present study surveyed 56 homeless youth and 97 matched at-risk housed youth on their attitudes toward mental health services, and investigated the link between social support and attitudes. Results showed groups shared similar neutral to positive attitudes. Higher levels of social support were associated with increased positive attitudes toward services. Further analyses found that lesbian/gay/bisexual/questioning youth held more positive attitudes compared to heterosexual youth. Implications of the current study can assist service providers with eliminating barriers and increasing mental health service use.

KEYWORDS:

• attitudes
• homeless youth
• lesbian/gay/bisexual/questioning youth
• mental health service utilization
• mental health stigma
• social support