Barriers to Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment in People with Both Depression and Substance Problems

In a sample of 393 adults, not affording the cost of care was the most common barrier to both mental health and substance use disorder treatments.

• Individuals with comorbid mental health and substance use disorders reported different barriers to treatment for each condition.
• Concerns about negative community perceptions, job impacts, and service inconvenience were more frequently cited as barriers to substance use disorder treatment.
• The barrier of cost was reported more often for mental health treatment than for substance use disorder treatment.
• Financial access improvements may help reduce treatment barriers in this population.

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