3.4 ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO ENGAGEMENT IN A HIGH-RISK PATIENT POPULATION

Abstract

Despite the development of evidence-based treatments, a large number of individuals requiring mental health care are unable to access it. Difficulty engaging families in treatment is a main reason for the disparity between the needs and service use. Studies examining initial session attendance in low-income minority youth found a 48 percent to 67 percent rate of failure to attend. Despite increasing research on engagement, there is little literature targeting high-risk patient populations at risk for mental health hospitalization.