Barriers to Mental Health Treatment in Rural Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers to seeking mental health treatment experienced by rural older adults. We also examined if barriers differed by age and worry severity.

Methods

Participants were 478 rural older adults responding to a flyer for a psychotherapy intervention study. Interested participants were screened by telephone, and barriers to mental health treatment were assessed. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated.

Results

The most commonly reported barrier to treatment was the personal belief that "I should not need help." Other commonly reported barriers included practical barriers (cost, not knowing where to go, distance), mistrust of mental health providers, not

SUBMITTER: Brenes GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4663185 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature