Access to mental health care for Black and Latino teens with anxiety and depression: a qualitative study.

Background: Anxiety and depression are common mental disorders among children and their prevalence has increased in recent years. Unfortunately, some children do not have access to mental health care. Black and Latino children have been reported to be more likely to have unmet mental health care needs than other racial or ethnic groups. This study sought to identify the influential factors in accessing mental health care for Black and Latino teens with anxiety or depression in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and identify recommendations to improve access for this group.

Methods: Ten qualitative, key informant interviews were conducted between February 2022 and January 2023 and analyzed using thematic analysis as the research approach.

Results: Study findings were categorized into six themes:(1) Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) First points of contact, (3) Preferences for mental health professional characteristics, (4) Adequate care: Culturally-appropriate, trauma-informed, and family-centered, (5) Community awareness of mental health and resources available, (6) Availability of mental health services.

Conclusions: Recommendations for public health policy and practice to increase access for these groups are discussed.