Children and Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Seeking Help From Professional Mental Health Providers

Counseling services are only likely to be effective if individuals are willing to seek help. Although much of the research on youth help-seeking has focused on adolescents, few studies have examined this in regard to children. Constant comparison analysis of focus group discussions revealed differences based on age and gender. Knowledge, sources of help, willingness, concerns regarding confidentiality, levels of interpersonal openness and stigma tolerance differed based on age. Gender differences were also highlighted. Implications focus on enhancing help-seeking among youth.