Citation

Haskell R, Graham K, Bernards S, Flynn AM, Wells S. Int. J. Ment. Health Syst. 2016; 10: 9.

Affiliation

Social and Epidemiological Research Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 200-100 Collip Circle, London, ON N6G 4X8 Canada ; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ; School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC Australia ; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/s13033-016-0040-3

PMID

26900398

PMCID

PMC4761172

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mental health and substance use disorders (MSD) are significant public health concerns that often co-occur with violence. To improve services that address MSD and violence [MSD(V)], it is critical to understand the perspectives of those most affected, people who have sought help for MSD(V) (i.e., "service users"), especially those with co-occurring issues, as well as their family members.

METHODS: We conducted structured interviews with 73 service users and 41 family members of service users in two Ontario communities (one urban, one rural) regarding their goals related to help-seeking, positive and negative experiences, and recommendations for improving systems of care.

RESULTS: Overall, participants expressed a need for services that: (1) are respectful, nonjudgmental, and supportive, help service users to feel more 'normal' and include education to reduce stigma; (2) are accessible, varied and publicly funded, thereby meeting individual needs and addressing equity concerns at a systems level; and (3) are coordinated, holistic and inclusive of family members who often support service users.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide a rich understanding of how service users and their families perceive services for MSD(V) issues and identify key ways to better meet their needs.

Language: en