Mental health concerns and barriers to care among future clinical psychologists

Steven Hobaica*, Erica Szkody, Sarah A. Owens, Jennifer K. Boland, Jason J. Washburn, Debora J. Bell

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Few studies have examined the mental health of clinical psychology doctoral students, a unique group given their education and training in psychopathology, assessment, and intervention. Students (N = 912) completed an online survey assessing demographics, mental health, mental healthcare utilization, and barriers to care during graduate school. Nearly 25% of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety, 20% reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression or suicidal intent (SI), and more than 10% reported a high risk of alcohol abuse or moderate to severe drug use during graduate school. In comparison to peers, ethnic minority and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) participants reported more symptoms of depression and SI. LGBTQ+ participants reported more nonsuicidal self-injury and drug use. Participants also experienced significant barriers to receiving mental healthcare (e.g., financial difficulties, limited availability, insufficient time). Leadership is encouraged to prioritize the mental health of clinical psychology doctoral students, which may have implications on their service provision.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2473-2490
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology
Volume77
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2021

Keywords

  • barriers to care
  • clinical psychology
  • graduate student
  • marginalized student
  • mental health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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