Barriers to accessing and using preventive mental health services for psychosocially strained children and families in Germany: Perspectives of professionals from different sectors.

Objective: Children, young people, and families (CYF) with psychosocial strains face elevated risks for mental health problems. Preventive mental health services in health, education, and social sectors can reduce this risk, but are often underused or have waiting times. While some data on barriers to use from clients' perspectives exist, the professionals' perspective is also important, particularly for understanding barriers at the side of providers and organizations and identifying solutions.