For many children and teenagers struggling with anxiety, low mood, or emotional distress, getting help is shaped as much by family and culture as by symptoms. New research suggests this is particularly true in Kuwait, where concerns about stigma, reputation, and social expectations continue to influence how young people access mental health support. The findings were published in Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
The study focuses on child and adolescent mental health care in Kuwait and draws on in depth interviews with mental health professionals working across public and private services. Rather than looking at clinical outcomes alone, the research explores how cultural values affect therapy itself, from trust between families and clinicians to decisions about treatment and confidentiality.
Mental health problems among young people are rising globally, and Kuwait is no exception. While specialist services are available, the research highlights that many families remain cautious about engaging fully. Fear of being judged by the wider community, worries about future marriage prospects, and anxiety about permanent medical records all play a role in delaying or limiting help seeking.
Family influence emerged as one of the strongest factors shaping mental health care for children and adolescents. Parents are often the gatekeepers to treatment, and their beliefs can either support or undermine progress. Therapists described situations where family expectations conflicted with clinical advice, particularly when emotional difficulties were seen as private matters that should not be discussed outside the home.
Religion also plays a complex role in shaping mental health perceptions. For some families, faith provides comfort and resilience during difficult periods. For others, emotional distress is interpreted as a spiritual weakness rather than a psychological issue, leading families to prioritise prayer over professional support. Clinicians reported the need to work carefully within these beliefs while still addressing the child’s mental health needs.
Trust between families and therapists was identified as essential but often fragile. In a small, close knit society, concerns about confidentiality can discourage openness, especially among adolescents. Some families preferred therapists from similar cultural backgrounds, believing they would better understand local values. Others actively sought professionals from outside the region, fearing judgement or breaches of privacy.
The research also examines the use of an ethical decision making framework designed to help clinicians navigate cultural and moral dilemmas in therapy. While therapists found the structure helpful, many felt it required adaptation to fit the specific social and cultural realities of Kuwait. The findings suggest that ethical practice cannot be separated from cultural context, particularly when working with children and teenagers.
Importantly, the study points to gradual change. Younger generations and some families are becoming more open to conversations about mental health, especially when clinicians involve parents through education and coaching. Supporting parents to understand emotional difficulties was seen as a practical way to reduce stigma and improve outcomes for young people.