Exploration of Service Needs of Persons who are Deaf, Communicate in LSQ and who Present Mental Health Issues
Introduction Lack of access to mental health services for persons who are deaf and communicate in LSQ and who present mental health issues has been noted by service providers. However, very few studies have examined the needs of this population in Quebec. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the needs with regards to services of persons who are deaf and communicate in LSQ and who have mental health issues. Methods A qualitative single case study design was used. The case was the territory affiliated to a specialized rehabilitation center in deafness and communication in Montreal. The sample was composed of clinicians and administrators of this center and community organizations (n = 12), persons who are deaf and communicate in LSQ and had mental health issues (n = 4), as well as family members (n = 1). Each participant took part in a semi-structured individual interview. A verification of the information provided was done in person or by phone one month later. A thematic content analysis was done for all the transcriptions, following the recommendations of Miles and Huberman (2003). Results Certain services that were seen as needed did not exist, such as support groups and networks for the deaf who have mental health issues or leisure activities in community services. Certain services were available but several obstacles limited their use. For example, a lack of knowledge about deafness and the deaf culture in the health care system that lead to consequences such as incorrect diagnoses or difficulty in establishing a therapeutic alliance. Conclusion What seemed to be consensual among these participants was the importance to have access to clinicians in the various health care establishments with a very good knowledge of mental illness, deafness as well as linguistic and cultural aspects that characterize the deaf population.