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. 2014 Sep 1;65(9):1170-3.
doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.201300325.

Barriers to mental health treatment for military wives

Colleen S Lewy, Celina M Oliver, Bentson H McFarland

Barriers to mental health treatment for military wives

Colleen S Lewy et al. Psychiatr Serv. .

Abstract

Objective: An Internet-based survey sought information about barriers to mental health services for military wives.

Methods: On the basis of qualitative work, an Internet-based program was created to identify military wives who may have major depressive disorder.

Results: Women (N=569, ages 18 to 56) were recruited from 45 states and eight foreign countries. Most participants (78%) reported mild to severe depression. Many (44%) reported unaddressed mental health needs. Barriers included inability to attend daytime appointments (38%), inability to find a counselor who understands the needs of military spouses (35%), inability to find a counselor the participant could trust (29%), concerns about confidentiality (26%), and lack of knowledge about where to get services (25%). The barriers reported differed markedly from those described by distressed women in the general population.

Conclusions: Military wives are an underserved population. Knowledge of military culture is essential for civilian mental health providers working with military wives.

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