Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Child sexual abuse is associated with mental health (MH) challenges across the lifespan. Black and Latino children are less likely to receive MH services than children of other backgrounds. We aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to MH services for Black and Latino children after sexual abuse.
METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 30 Black and Latino, English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse. Interviews were completed in caregivers' preferred language and modality (phone, video conferencing, or in person). Caregivers were asked about their opinions and experiences with initiating child MH services after sexual abuse. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Caregivers (27% Black, 47% Latino, 27% Black and Latino) were mostly biological mothers (87%). Half were born outside the United States. Caregivers reported 3 facilitators to MH services after sexual abuse: 1) perceived benefits of MH services; 2) trust in MH providers; and 3) support from frontline professionals and systems. Caregivers reported timely support when there was cross-system care coordination. Caregivers described 5 barriers to MH services after sexual abuse: 1) perceived harms of MH services; 2) concerns about misjudgment and discrimination by MH providers; 3) stigma of sexual abuse; 4) youth's lack of engagement in MH services; and 5) structural obstacles to MH services.
CONCLUSIONS: Black and Latino caregivers identified multiple facilitators and barriers to MH services after sexual abuse. Our findings can inform the development and testing of evidence-based strategies to improve MH engagement and outcomes after sexual abuse.