Factors Affecting South and East Asian Immigrants' Access to Mental Health Services in Canada: A Scoping Review.

South and East Asian immigrants represent a growing population in Canada. Despite the availability of Canadian mental healthcare services, utilization rates among these populations remain lower. Cultural differences, communication barriers, mental health literacy, and systemic challenges significantly hinder accessibility. Addressing these factors is crucial for achieving equitable access to mental healthcare. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing access to mental healthcare services among South and East Asian immigrants in Canada. This scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework. Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched for studies published from 2000 onwards. The inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles in English that examined access to mental health services in Canada for South and East Asian immigrants aged 18 years or older. Eighteen studies were included in the final review, following the screening of 278 papers. Multiple researchers conducted data extraction to resolve any conflicts through discussion and debate. Three key factors associated with barriers to accessing Canadian mental healthcare services were identified: communication, cultural, and systemic factors. These factors intersect with stigma as a crosscutting theme influencing access to mental health services. This study identified three key factors influenced by stigma, illustrating the barriers faced by South and East Asian immigrants in accessing mental health services. Future research should focus on enhancing facilitators and reducing barriers to improve access to mental healthcare in Canada for these populations.