Beyond Borders : Investigating the Impact of Cultural Barriers on Mental Health Services for Immigrant Youth in Finland

Abstract

The research-based study aims to investigate and analyse the impact of cultural barriers on mental health services’ accessibility in the context of immigrant youth. The objective was to draw focus on the unique factors and challenges of cultural barriers to mental wellbeing of the target group. The study was supported by both conceptual and theoretical frameworks allowing a deeper understanding of the topic. The main highlighted theories were acculturation and acculturative stress, and the impact of cultural competence on mental health services.

A mixed method approach was undertaken for the data collection, through an anonymous online survey. The participants were reached through the working life partner SAMHA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association. The participants of the study were young immigrants from the age of 15 to 29. Immigrants within this context were defined as any individuals with foreign background. The survey had 10 respondents.

The results of the study aligned with previous literature, highlighting the need for more culturally competent mental health services. The common factors in all responses included lack of knowledge about available services, language barriers and cultural differences. A common observation was the feeling of not being understood by the service providers which often led to low service usage.

The fundamental goal of the research was to provide an insight into the immigrant’s perspective of mental health services and to provide them a platform to speak openly. This open communication can be used to create more culturally competent services that provide sufficient support for young immigrants and aid to limit stigma and discrimination within the vulnerable group.