Narrative review identifies five dimensions influencing mental health care access for youth with disabilities

This narrative review synthesizes findings from 228 publications to explore barriers and facilitators for mental health care access in youth with disabilities. The scope covers the determinants influencing access to mental health care within this specific population. No specific intervention or comparator was evaluated as this is a qualitative synthesis rather than a clinical trial.

The authors identify five cross-cutting dimensions that influence access to mental health care. These dimensions represent the primary outcomes synthesized from the included literature. No specific effect sizes, absolute numbers, or p-values were reported for these dimensions in the source text.

The review highlights that current models often focus on deficits rather than strengths. The authors note a need to move beyond deficit-oriented models toward a universal design for health care. This approach emphasizes participation, emotional safety, and continuity to reduce inequities and improve quality of life.

Limitations regarding funding or conflicts were not reported in the source material. The review does not report adverse events, discontinuations, or tolerability data. Practice relevance suggests creating equitable and sustainable care systems for this vulnerable group.