Mental Health During Residency Training: Assessing the Barriers to Seeking Care

Resident and fellow physicians are at elevated risk for developing depression compared to the general population; however, they are also less likely to utilize mental health services. We sought to identify the barriers to seeking mental health treatment among residents across all specialties at a large academic medical center in Chicago, IL. Residents and fellows from all programs were asked to complete an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Of the 18% of residents and fellows that completed the survey, 61% felt they would have benefited from psychiatric services. Only 24% of those who felt they needed care actually sought treatment. The most commonly reported barriers to seeking care were lack of time (77%), concerns about confidentiality (67%), concerns about what others would think (58%), cost (56%), and concern for effect on one's ability to obtain licensure (50%). Despite feeling that they require mental health services, few trainees actually sought care. This study identifies an overall need for improved access to mental health providers and psychoeducation for medical housestaff.