Zwaanswijk, M., Verhaak, P. F. M., Van der Ende, J., Bensing, J. M., & Verhulst, F. C. (2006). Obstacles on the pathway to care: the help-seeking process for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural problems, Kind en Adolescent, 27 (3), 144-156.
Less than half of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioural problems receive help from general practitioners (gps) or mental healthcare professionals. Based on a general practice sample of children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 (n = 2,149) and a sample of children and adolescents selected for having emotional and behavioural problems (n = 360), obstacles on the pathway to care were determined. Limited consultation of gps for emotional and behavioural problems and limited problem recognition by gps hamper the access to specialised care. The role of gps as gatekeepers to mental healthcare for elementary school children is limited.
