Adult perceptions of mental health access barriers facing youth in rural Washington State: A group concept mapping study

To explore adult community members' perspectives concerning barriers to mental health care that confront rural-dwelling youth. Group concept mapping, a participatory community-engaged research method, was used. Adult community members brainstormed and sorted statements describing barriers rural youth encounter in accessing mental health services. Point and cluster maps were created to visualize conceptual similarities between statements. Statements were rated according to their commonness and importance (1: low commonness/importance, 5: high commonness/importance). Thirty-five adults sorted and/or rated 71 barriers facing rural youth in accessing mental health services. Seven conceptual clusters were identified: system-level barriers, knowledge and communication, youth concerns, parent/guardian concerns, parent/guardian barriers, costs and convenience, and school-level barriers. Within youth concerns, community members also identified a subcluster focused on stigma. Common and important statements related to limited after-school programs and community mental health support initiatives. Group concept mapping methodology provides structure for conceptualizing challenges facing rural youth in accessing mental health services. Policies should be informed by rural community concerns and priorities. After-school and support programs may align with mental health needs identified by rural communities.