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Mental Health Services for Children of Substance Abusing Parents: Voices from the Community

Abstract  

This qualitative study explores how to improve services for children of parents with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) with unmet
mental health needs. Focus groups were conducted with parents and caregivers to identify perceived barriers to services, including:
(1) attitudes and beliefs about mental health care, (2) inadequacies in mental health services, (3) children’s ambivalence
about treatment, and (4) parental disagreement and lack of involvement. Peer support, afterschool activities, and family counseling
were identified as potential improvements. This information can serve as a foundation and guide to develop services for the
underserved population of children and adolescents of substance abusing parents.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • DOI 10.1007/s10597-010-9357-6
  • Authors
    • Laila F. M. Contractor, Kaiser Permanente, 12501 E. Imperial Hwy, Suite 400, Norwalk, CA 90650, USA
    • Karen L. Celedonia, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
    • Mario Cruz, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
    • Antoine Douaihy, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
    • Jane N. Kogan, One Chatham Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 112 Washington Place, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
    • Robert Marin, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3811 O’Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
    • Bradley D. Stein, One Chatham Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 112 Washington Place, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA