Date of Award

2009

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.W.

Department

Social Work

Keywords

Health and environmental sciences, Social sciences

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Although the success rate for treating mental illness is high, relatively few people, especially immigrants, seek help. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of six Mennonite immigrant women who have received services in the mental health care system in order better understand and improve upon this populations' access to services.

A qualitative methodological approach was used to study this topic in depth. Findings offer insight about how internal and external barriers such as lack of knowledge about mental illness; experiences of judgement and lack of support from the Mennonite community; language barriers; lack of transportation; and submissive spousal relationships affected their experiences accessing and receiving mental health services. Social work practice implications with this population highlighted the importance of cultural/religious sensitive practice, using an empowerment framework, and providing education about mental illness at the micro, mezzo and macro levels of practice.

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