Perceived barriers to medical care and mental health care among veterans with serious mental illness

Objectives: This study examined perceived barriers to mental health care and medical care and the relationship between demographic and clinical characteristics and perceived barriers among veterans with serious mental illness. Methods: Veterans diagnosed as having serious mental illnesses, hospitalized for psychiatric concerns, and at risk for treatment dropout (N=136) completed an interview as part of a larger study of a critical time intervention. Results: Many participants perceived barriers to accessing mental health care (67%) and medical care (60%). Personal factors were cited most often as barriers; overall, however, personal barriers were more likely to be perceived to impede mental health care (56%) than medical care (43%). Psychiatric symptoms were associated with greater perceived barriers to mental health care and medical care. Conclusions: Veterans with serious mental illness at risk of treatment dropout perceived barriers to mental health care and medical services. Strategies to overcome barriers are needed and should target illness-related factors that may impede service use.