Date
10-14-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
William Townsend
Keywords
Youth Homelessness, homelessness, mental health utilization, mental health professional perceptions, perceived ability to provide care, youth experiencing homelessness
Disciplines
Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work
Recommended Citation
Martin, Layla A., "Examining the Barriers of Youth Homelessness and its Impact on the Utilization of Mental Health Care Services" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8994.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8994
Abstract
This paper examines the barriers of youth homelessness and its impact on the utilization of mental health services for this demographic. Youth experiencing homelessness encounter many barriers including but not limited to mental health concerns, social obstacles, and street victimization. Understanding how homelessness impacts the access and utilization of mental health services among youth experiencing homelessness is important. Overall, the literature discusses significant findings, gaps in research, and suggestions for future research. Increased knowledge of how homeless youth access mental health care services and the barriers will help to increase awareness to help decrease barriers. The purpose of this quantitative study is to understand youth homelessness, mental health, barriers to treatment, and the utilization of mental health services. The theory guiding this study is the Social Ecological Theory by Bronfenbrenner. Social ecological theory will be used to help explain the relationship between mental health and homelessness.
