Barriers and Facilitators to Professional Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior: Perspective of Malaysian LGBT Individuals. Issue 1 (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zay Hta, May Kyi; Tam, Cai Lian; Au, Su Yi; Yeoh, Germaine; Tan, Ming Mei; Lee, Zheng Yang; Yong, Vee Vian
• Is Part Of: Journal of LGBTQ issues in counseling. Volume 15:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: Barriers -- help-seeking -- LGBT -- facilitators -- Malaysia -- mental health; Gays -- Counseling of; Lesbians -- Counseling of; Bisexuals -- Counseling of; Cross-dressers; Transgender people; Counseling; Sexual minority community; Periodicals; 158.30866
• DOI: 10.1080/15538605.2021.1868373
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2692-4951

Abstract

Abstract: This qualitative study explored the facilitators and barriers influencing professional mental health help-seeking among Malaysian LGBT young adults ( n = 28). The main barriers identified were internal resistance, lack of resources and information about mental health, limited availability and accessibility to services, negative perception of mental health services, and stigma against LGBT communities. The facilitators were self-awareness, having resources and information, accessibility or availability of mental health services, and positive attitudes and beliefs about these services. Perspectives from our participants strongly highlight the requirement of culturally competent practices and LGBT-affirmative policies for better provision of mental health services among the LGBT communities.