Religious-Tailoring of Mental Health Services in Ontario: A Qualitative Study Exploring Service User and Provider Recommendations

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to explore the experiences of Muslim mental health service users and providers in Ontario, Canada. With a focus on understanding mental health service barriers and facilitators, the research also sought to identify service user and provider recommendations and highlight the capacity for addressing gaps within service utilization and delivery by adopting religious tailoring with the Muslim community. This was carried out through a CBPAR approach to conduct diverse focus groups with Muslim service users and service providers across Ontario, Canada. The results indicate mistrust towards Eurocentric models, cultural stigma, and insufficient provision of religiously and culturally congruent care significantly hinder engagement. Nevertheless, religious tailoring—incorporating elements such as Imams, faith-based counseling, and community-based interventions—emerges as an effective strategy to overcome these challenges. The study powerfully emphasizes the success of integrating mental health services within mosques and Muslim-led organizations, equipping Imams with skills in psychospiritual counseling, and weaving Islamic coping mechanisms into therapeutic practices. The study concludes with 11 practical recommendations based upon service user and provider suggestions that can empower policymakers, practitioners, and Muslim communities to enhance mental health accessibility and encourage meaningful engagement.