Characteristics of Youth Crisis App Users: Mental Health Service Access and Barriers and Perceptions of Helpfulness.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

By developing a more nuanced understanding of youth using crisis line services, greater strides can be made in addressing their mental health needs. SafeUT is an app-based mental health crisis service that is offered to nearly all youth living in Utah and provides 24/7 access to licensed clinicians by phone or text. This study characterized youth using a statewide mental health crisis service and identified barriers to care.

Method

SafeUT users were offered the opportunity to complete a survey regarding demographics, their experiences with mental health services, and self-injurious thoughts and behaviors.

Results

A total of 210 youths completed at least part of the survey. More than half of the sample identified as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender

SUBMITTER: Westlund Schreiner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12414296 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature