ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: As mental health systems are still developing in many Asian countries, knowledge of the pathways to mental health care (MHC) in this region would be very important. AIMS: To clarify the pathways to MHC in 5 Asian countries. METHOD: A total of 50 new subjects attending each institution were interviewed. Pathway diagrams, the patterns and duration of care seeking, and the previous treatment were compared. RESULTS: Four major pathways were direct access, referrals from private practitioners, referrals from general hospitals, and referrals from native or religious healers. General practitioners did not play a pivotal role in any of the areas, whereas native or religious healers had an important place in all areas except for Yokohama, Japan. Family members had a significant impact on the decision to seek MHC. CONCLUSIONS: Studies of pathways to MHC in Asian countries are feasible and can provide data of interest in the organization of care.
