Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2026 Sep 11. doi: 10.1007/s10578-026-02088-2. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Parents are the main gatekeeper to services when adolescents need help with their mental health. However, previous research has not focused on the specific factors that impact parents as they navigate the help-seeking process. Therefore, the aim of the study was to provide insight into parents’ help-seeking experiences. Thirty parents (23 mothers and seven fathers) completed semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The overarching finding is that for parents, seeking help is like navigating a labyrinth. Four themes highlighted the importance of parents’ knowledge of adolescent mental health and services available (‘Knowledge is Power’), the role of ‘Gatekeepers to Services’, encountering “Cul-de-sacs” and the need for parents to be persistent. The study identifies the need for reliable information and adequate support for parents, when navigating the help-seeking process. The study also highlights the need for service reform to support young people and parents during this critical period.
PMID:42726395 | DOI:10.1007/s10578-026-02088-2
