Transdiagnostic determinants of access to mental health care for youth with disabilities
A systems-oriented structured narrative review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22090657 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Romina Rinaldi (0000-0001-5765-2307, University of Mons), Maëlle Neveu (0000-0003-1334-2942, University of Mons), Filip Morisse (Equality Now) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Pages | 1782003-1782003 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-12 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1782003 |
| PMID | 42205450 |
| OpenAlex | W7160901764 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 81 |
Objective: Children and young people with disabilities are at increased risk of emotional and behavioral difficulties and mental health problems, yet determinants shaping access to mental health care remain insufficiently understood. Methods: A structured search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus was conducted in March 2024. A total of 228 publications published between 1999 and 2024 were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key determinants influencing access to mental health care. Results: Thematic analysis identified five cross-cutting dimensions, emerging inductively from the literature and informed by disability studies, child development, and health equity frameworks: (1) fragmented and poorly coordinated service systems; (2) barriers to accessibility and equity; (3) limited adequacy of care due to diagnostic overshadowing and training gaps; (4) restricted, often tokenistic participation of young people and families; and (5) stigma embedded within professional and structural practices. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need to move beyond deficit-oriented models toward a universal design for health care emphasizing participation, emotional safety, and continuity to reduce inequities, improve quality of life, and create equitable, sustainable care
Health care · Mental health · Mental health service · Narrative · Narrative review · Social stigma · Thematic analysis · Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare · Disability Rights and Representation · Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |