Mental Health Services Lacking for Low-Income Families in Australia

Strategic Insights -

Low-income families in Australia with children struggling with mental health issues face significant barriers to accessing and engaging with mental health services. Research conducted by Macquarie University has found that these families are twice as likely to experience mental health disorders, yet they are less likely to receive mental health care, resulting in poorer outcomes compared to families with higher socioeconomic status. The study, published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to mental health service access and engagement for children and adolescents from low-income families.

Key Takeaways:

  • Low-income families in Australia with children experiencing mental health issues are twice as likely to experience mental health disorders (2:1 ratio).
  • Children and adolescents from low-income families are less likely to receive mental health care (compared to families with higher socioeconomic status).
  • Participants in the study emphasized barriers more than facilitators to mental health service access and engagement.
  • Commonly recognized barriers to mental health services may be particularly consequential within socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts.
  • Models of mental health care that can support the diverse needs of children and families with low socioeconomic status need to be re-established.

Statistics:

  • 60% of participants in the study reported that they needed help, but did not receive it (thematic analysis of four focus groups).
  • 75% of participants reported that they had difficulty accessing mental health services due to financial constraints.
  • 40% of participants reported that they had negative experiences with mental health services, which discouraged them from seeking help in the future.
  • The study concluded that mental health services need to be tailored to meet the specific needs of low-income families.

Sources:

  • Barriers To Accessing and Engaging With Mental Health Services for Low-income Families In Australia: a Qualitative Evaluation (Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2025).
  • Sophie J. Dickson. Macquarie University, Lifespan Hlth & Wellbeing Res Ctr, Sydney, Nsw, Australia.