Exploring the Barriers to Utilization of Mental Health Services in Persons With Severe Mental Illness: A Comprehensive Conceptual Review

Mental illness is a significant global public health issue, with access to mental healthcare services being a major challenge. Individuals face various barriers, including stigma, financial constraints, and a lack of knowledge, which hinder the effective use of available services. Additionally, religious and cultural beliefs further complicate the situation, reinforcing stigma and discouraging service utilization. The availability, affordability, and accessibility of mental health services are severely limited, exacerbating the treatment gap, especially in low and middle-income countries. Theoretical models of mental health service utilization suggest that these barriers create a vicious cycle of inadequate support, leading to poor outcomes for those in need. According to the World Health Organization, mental illnesses account for 14% of the global disease burden. The prevalence of mental, neurological, and substance use disorders accounts for over 10% of the global disease burden. The growing global prevalence of severe mental illness (SMI) highlights the urgent need to address these barriers and improve mental health service delivery. The present conceptual review investigates the role of stigma, financial limitations, cultural and religious influences, and the availability, affordability, and accessibility of mental healthcare services in perpetuating the existing treatment gap.