'It's a Circus': Family Caregivers' Perceptions on Accessing Mental Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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Bibliographic Details
Title: 'It's a Circus': Family Caregivers' Perceptions on Accessing Mental Health Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Language: English
Authors: Heather H. Kelley, Abby Julian, Lindy Strand, Ty B. Aller
Source: Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities. 2025 18(3):323-337.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Administration for Community Living (ACL) (DHHS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (DHHS/PHS)
Contract Number: HHS2021ACLAODDDTI0095
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Family Attitudes, Caregiver Attitudes, Access to Health Care, Mental Health, Barriers, Adults, Resources, Training, Knowledge Level, Health Insurance, Interpersonal Communication, Family Needs, Costs
DOI: 10.1080/19315864.2024.2424759
ISSN: 1931-5864
1931-5872
Abstract: Background: Previous research has demonstrated that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience a variety of barriers in accessing mental health care and that family caregivers often play an integral role in helping individuals with IDD navigate these systems. However, little research has focused on family caregivers' perceptions of accessing mental health services. Methods: To better understand their perspectives, we analyzed responses to an open-ended question about challenges to accessing mental health resources for adults with IDD from 208 family caregivers. Responses were analyzed using a team-based approach to qualitative data analysis. Results: We identified five themes that capture both systematic issues and personal or interpersonal challenges that reduce access to high quality mental health care among adults with IDD. In addition to the barriers, we also identified some accounts of families succeeding in accessing adequate mental health care. Conclusions: We offer practical implications for research, policy, and practice that can help reduce barriers to mental health care for adults with IDD.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1502997
Database: ERIC
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