Research Question 1

What do you feel is not working in the overall System of Care?

not always easy to access (insurance, location)

Please share anything else you'd like us to know about your experience finding care:

I feel that care is generally good once accessed

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It was not easy finding care as a young afult

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I think insurance coverage played a big role. I had to navigate what was covered and what wasn't. I wish there were clearer explanations from providers about costs upfront. This would've helped me plan better personally and reduced some stress about bills and care decisions.

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Finding care was challenging at first due to long wait times and limited provider availability. However, once I was connected, the support was compassionate and helpful. I appreciated the follow-ups and the respect for my preferences throughout the process.

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We could find behavioral clinicians but there is often a huge waitlist or they don't offer the specific services we need.

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Providers not listening to concerns

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I reached out for help, but I was told there was a 3-month wait. During that time, things got worse. It felt like no one was really available when I needed them the most.

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I had to advocate for myself a lot, which was exhausting but necessary.

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Unclear and confusing treatments plans

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Availability of an interpreter is really vital. Had a friend who had to wait a few extra hrs to be attended to because there were no interpreters on ground.

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Looking for care has been a journey full of learning and patience. At times, it was confusing and hard to find the right help, with delays and many options to choose from. But along the way, I learned how important it is to keep trying and not be afraid to ask for support. What really made a difference was finding people who listened and truly cared. I’ve come to understand that recovery isn’t just about treatment it’s also about feeling safe, connected, and supported with kindness and trust.

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The process was confusing at first, but once I found the right provider, things improved.

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I wish there were more local options so I didn’t have to travel so far

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It was overwhelming trying to find a provider who accepted my insurance.

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I think having more online resources would've helped me a lot. I struggled to find info on what services were available. I wish there was a clear directory or website. This would've made navigating care easier for me personally and saved me some stress searching around.

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I think care would be easier to access if there were clearer information about available services and what each provider specializes in. That would save a lot of stress.

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I have a pro whicn is when you finally find a provider, the real battle begins. Waiting lists are months long, they often don't call back, and then you have to see if they take your insurance

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In my experience finding care, I think communication between providers and patients could be better. I sometimes felt like I wasn't fully informed about my treatment options. I wish providers explained things more clearly to me. This would help me make more informed decisions about my care personally and feel more in control of my health journey.

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In my experience finding care, I think insurance navigation was super tricky. I had to call a bunch of times to understand what was covered. I wish there was a simpler way to figure out costs and coverage. The actual care I received was good though. Providers were understanding and helped me get the treatment I needed. I hope systems get easier to navigate for others like me personally.

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Finding care has been meaningful but sometimes challenging; while I felt supported at times, there were moments when navigating waitlists, insurance questions, and finding the right fit felt overwhelming, so having clear information, compassionate communication, and continuity of care made a big difference in helping me feel seen, supported, and hopeful throughout the process.

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It's not that there aren't any resources, it's that there are too many websites and phone numbers. It's overwhelming and confusing to figure out which one is the right starting point., and you're too exhausted to play detective

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Finding care wasn’t easy, there were long wait times and confusing referral processes. It felt discouraging at first, but eventually I found someone who really helped.

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In my experience finding care, I think timing was a big issue. I had to wait a while to get an appointment with a specialist. I also struggled to understand my insurance coverage and what was included. But once I got care, the provider was helpful. I wish navigation of the system was easier for me personally.

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Finding care was challenging at first due to limited local options, but once connected, the providers were supportive and helped us navigate the system. Language support was available, and having someone guide us through the process made a big difference.

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It took me a while to find care that truly listened to my needs. Once I did, having a provider who understood my background and took time to explain things made all the difference.

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Aside the long wait time, everything seems to work pretty good .

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It sometimes hard yo know where to start or who to trust, but attempting is worth every effort

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More funding to research

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Inability to receive said aid

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The language barrier could have been an issue. But thanks to the presence of an interpreter, it was less of a concern.

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Caring for someone in recovery has been one of the most meaningful and challenging experiences of my life. I supported a close friend who was struggling with addiction. At first, I didn’t fully understand what recovery involved — I thought offering advice or pushing them to “get better” would help. But over time, I learned that what they needed most was patience, understanding, and consistency.

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Finding care has been a journey of patience and learning. Sometimes it felt overwhelming navigating different options and facing delays, but each step taught me the importance of persistence and asking for help. What stood out most was how vital it is to find providers who truly listen and understand it makes all the difference in feeling supported and hopeful. I’ve realized that recovery and care aren’t just about treatments, but about connection, trust, and kindness along the way.

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Finding care is quite easy but find resources to support the recovery process isn't always available

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Lack of professional and human resource to offer help when support and care is much needed.

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As a black.....it wasn't that easy tho.

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Flyers

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In my experience finding care, I think stigma around seeking help was a big barrier for me initially. I was hesitant to reach out due to fears of being judged. But once I did find care, the support I received was really helpful. I'm glad I pushed past those concerns and got the help I needed for my well-being personally.

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Finding care was challenging at first due to limited availability but once i got through to a reputable provider, the support was compassionate

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Was difficult to find.

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I had a similar experience finding care in my area was tough. I felt frustrated with the limited options and long wait times. But when I finally found a provider who understood my needs, it made all the difference. They took the time to listen and develop a treatment plan that worked for me. I'm thankful for their support and expertise. Their care has been a game-changer for my well-being.

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I was impressed by the variety of providers available, though more details on wait times upfront would help set better expectations.

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I'd like to share that my experience finding care was challenging due to limited options in my area. I had to travel far for specialized treatment. I felt frustrated at times but ultimately found a supportive provider. They listened to me and tailored care to my needs. I'm grateful for their help. My experience taught me to be patient and persistent in seeking the right care for myself.

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I struggled because I didn’t have transportation, and the nearest care center was far away. Also, the costs were high, and insurance didn’t cover everything. It took a lot of phone calls and waiting before I got an appointment.

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Cost was a bit too high for the family,we had to work double shifts for months.

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I felt really overwhelmed by the number of options available for care and i wished someone had guided me through the process

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Everything was in English......we speak Spanish at home

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Finding care was efficient, with clear instructions every step; integrating mental health resources more prominently would be a nice touch

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It took 3 months to get an appointment, and the first therapist didn’t speak Spanish. The interpreter they finally brought in was great, but we shouldn’t have to wait that long. Also, the intake forms were only in English – super frustrating.

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Overall, my experience finding care was positive. The staff were kind and supportive, and having an interpreter made communication much easier. However, it would help if appointment scheduling and follow-up information were a bit more organized and accessible.

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Accessing care wasn’t really easy at first

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It was easy to find care, and the provider communicated well. More options for non-English speakers would help everyone.

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Overall, the experience was fine. A bit more clarity and faster responses would have made it even better.

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Feeling judged or misunderstood by some providers made me hesitant to seek care at times. But once I found empathetic professionals, it boosted my confidence to keep going.

Please share anything else you'd like us to know about your experience finding care:

Finding care was challenging at first due to long wait times and limited availability, but once I connected with the right provider, the support made a significant difference. Consistent communication and understanding from the care team helped me feel seen and supported.

Please share anything else you'd like us to know about your experience finding care:

It was difficult to find the right kind of help at first — there wasn’t much clear guidance, and insurance coverage was limited. The process felt overwhelming, but once we found a supportive provider, things started to improve. More accessible information and faster referrals would make a big difference.

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Transportation or distance to care can be a barrier, having the clear information about cost, coverage, or eligibility would make the process easier.

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It took a lot of time and they weren't devoted

Please share anything else you'd like us to know about your experience finding care:

Finding care was challenging at first due to long wait times and limited availability, but once I connected with the right provider, the support made a significant difference. Consistent communication and understanding from the care team helped me feel seen and supported.

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Transportation

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Finding care was challenging at first because there were long wait times and limited local options. I had to navigate confusing paperwork and sometimes felt overwhelmed. Support from community groups and healthcare providers made a big difference. Eventually, I found a program that suited my needs, but I wish there had been clearer information and easier access.

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Provider communication varied in quality

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It can be overwhelming to look for the right care, especially when you’re already dealing with health concerns. Having clear options, compassionate communication, and guidance through the process made a huge difference.

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Finding care took time, but having interpreter services available made communication much easier. Providers who listened and didn't rush appointments were most helpful. It would be beneficial to have clearer upfront information about available services and wait times

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I was fortunate to find a supportive clinic quickly. The staff were understanding and helped me feel comfortable. The referral process was smooth, and they connected me to resources like counseling and support groups.

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It was difficult to find the right kind of help at first — there wasn’t much clear guidance, and insurance coverage was limited. The process felt overwhelming, but once we found a supportive provider, things started to improve. More accessible information and faster referrals would make a big difference.

Please share anything else you'd like us to know about your experience finding care:

The process of finding care was challenging at times. It took longer than expected to connect with the right provider, and navigating the system felt overwhelming initially. Having language support available made a significant difference in my ability to understand my options and feel comfortable communicating my needs

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It was basically stressful navigating the whole process

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I experienced a little barrier in transportation.

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I have really suffered alot no one to take good care of me sometimes my care giver doesn't show up and I do what I can to help my self

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There were times I didn't know where to go or who to contact, and it felt like I had to figure everything out on my own.

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Finding help was stressful and took months. Most programs had waiting lists, and it was difficult to tell which ones specialized in youth needs. More outreach in schools and community centers could make it easier for families to connect with the right care early on. It would also help if insurance companies clearly listed mental health providers who are currently accepting new youth clients.

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It was a bit difficult to find care but was assisted by a community member

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The system can feel confusing — more coordination between agencies would help.

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It can take a lot of persistence to find help. Having someone to guide you through options would reduce frustration.

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Finding suitable care was quite difficult. There were few options that matched my schedule or specific needs, and many providers had long waitlists or didn’t take my insurance. It was also tough to find someone trustworthy. I really wish there were more affordable and dependable care choices available.

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Some programs had long waitlists, which made getting help harder.

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Navigating the system is confusing. It would help if someone could walk clients through the steps from start to finish.

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Many people don’t know where to start or who to call. A central place with clear guidance would make a big difference.

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It took several tries to find the right therapist who understood youth need

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Finding care can be overwhelming. It would help if information about available programs and financial aid was easier to find.

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Finding care was overwhelming at first, but community resources helped me navigate it.

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The experience felt disjointed and overwhelming

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Finding care can be stressful and confusing, especially when resources are limited. Clear information, affordable options, and compassionate providers make the process much easier and more effective.

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It took a long time to find someone who actually listened and understood what I was going through.

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It’s was difficult to find behavioral health services and especially a mental health assessment.

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it’s often hard to get in quickly or find someone who takes our insurance.

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To be honest it was frustrating at first because I didn’t know where to start or who to trust. Things got better once I found people who explained my options clearly and actually followed up.

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My journey was difficult trying to access services for youth on medicaid and had to get and pay for private insurance to have better chance to get services and eventhough he receives them they are only virtual because office is not close by.

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For me Families need better system navigation supports and more youth centered options that prioritize trust and relationship building rather than just diagnoses or quick fixes.

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It was a stressful experience but i was able to get to the bottom of it

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It would help to have one point of contact who can follow through during transitions and keep supports connected.

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I wish there were more peer support options and community-based programs that didn’t require insurance or formal referrals.

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There are great people working in the system, but it often takes months to get an appointment or find someone who fits your needs. Families spend a lot of energy coordinating care that should already be connected.

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Transportation and scheduling made it difficult to attend appointments consistently.

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Our family felt judged and unsupported when trying to access services, which discouraged us from continuing care.

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Once we got into care, the providers were helpful, but the system to get there was very stressful and time-consuming.

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There weren’t many culturally responsive or language-accessible services available in our area.

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It was not so easy to find care since I had no much knowledge on how to,so I will be glad if proper knowledge is shared.

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When doing your research there are lot of online junks