Stigma in school-based mental health: Perceptions of young people and service providers

Abstract

Background: Mental health affects one in five young people, with the majority avoiding help due to stigma. In this study, young people's (n = 49) perception of stigma as a barrier to accessing school-based mental health services was compared with that of service providers (n = 63), along with the perceived extent of mental health problems and availability of school-based mental health resources. Method: Participants completed a survey or interview. EBSCO and PubMed databases were used for the duration of this study, from August 2010 to September 2011. Results: A greater proportion of young people versus providers reported stigma as the largest barrier to accessing mental health services. In addition, most young people reported that school-based mental health resources were scarce. Conclusions: These results emphasize the need for young people's involvement in mental health initiatives. © 2012 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.