Mental health service accessibility for young people in rural, regional, and remote areas and its implications for social work practice: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Young people in rural, regional, and remote communities experience high levels of mental distress. Health services in rural and remote communities are also poorer in quality. Hence, it is critical to understand how social work can help young people in these areas access mental health supports. This scoping review identifies what enables and hinders access to mental health services for young people in rural, regional, and remote areas of Australia and Canada. Twenty-two studies published between 2018 and 2022 were included and analyzed. Findings highlight the need for social workers to reduce peer-stigmatization of mental illness and foster community collaboration.