Perceived need and help-seeking for mental health problems among Canadian provinces and territories

Abstract

Perceived need for mental health care, professional help-seeking, use of self-help groups, and reasons for not seeking professional care for mental health problems were investigated in the Canadian Community Health Survey (N = 129,543). Regional differences were found for all variables. The greatest level of Perceived Need Without Seeking Help, Professional Help-Seeking, and Use of Self-Help Groups were found in the Yukon/Northwest Territories/Nunavut. These findings likely reflect rural isolation and differences in socioeconomic levels associated with different regions in Canada. Regional differences indicate that efforts to improve the delivery of care need to be tailored to specific areas in Canada.