Perceived barriers to access mental health services for refugees and asylum seekers: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Previous experience of violence and other traumata as well as post-migration stressors affect the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers. There is a fundamental gap between mental health needs and care utilization. To address this gap, it is important to understand the perceived access barriers to mental health care among refugees and asylum seekers. This review analyzed the barriers using Penchansky and Thomas’ (1981) concept of access.