Youth Mental Youth (dis)Engagement in Mental Health Barriers Health Therapy – Examining Barriers and Alternatives

The Spectrum project is a UA-SIROW collaboration serving LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 13-24.Upon enrollment, nearly half of Spectrum’s participants reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, and over 60% had a hard time paying attention at school, work, or home. Despite mental health challenges, only 30% of Spectrum youth who are referred for mental health treatment engage in services. Youth note that parental consent and the formality of therapy are barriers, while they would instead desire informal and anonymous service options. This presentation will explore mental health data and services provided through Spectrum as well as facilitate a broader conversation about traditional models of mental health therapy and alternative strategies for supporting youth mental health.