Why are African immigrants in Montreal reluctant to use mental health services?: a systematic inventory of reasons.

Purpose: Previous research has shown that non-Caucasian immigrants in Western countries are less likely than native-born people to use mental health services. This study examined the reasons underlying reluctance to use mental health services among African immigrants in Montreal, Canada.

Methods: The study participants were 280 African immigrants who had experienced symptoms suggesting depression but did not use formal mental health services.

Willingness to Use Mental Health Services for Depression Among African Immigrants and White Canadian-Born People in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

Studies suggest that non-Caucasian immigrants to Canada are less likely than Canadian-born people to use mental health services. To meet the mental health needs of ethnocultural minorities, insights into their help-seeking attitudes are of great concern. This study examined the willingness of African immigrants and White Canadian-born to seek care for depression from conventional mental health services.