Population's choice of mental health care specialists: a 2024 study
https://doi.org/10.24884/2219-8245-2026-18-2-2-12
Abstract
Understanding the specifics of medical professionals of various specialties in the field of mental health when the population chooses a specialized specialist who can correctly understand the patient's request and provide him with appropriate assistance is currently becoming an essential factor in assessing the quality of such care in general.
The purpose of the study is to study the behavior of the population of the Russian Federation when choosing specialists who provide assistance in the field of mental health.
Research materials and methods: the study was conducted using a questionnaire on barriers affecting the receipt/non-receipt of mental health care by the population. The sample represents the population of the Russian Federation by gender, age, and education level. The work uses analytical, sociological and statistical methods.
The results of the study showed the existence of a certain gap between the formal legal differences between mental health professionals and their perception by the population. Respondents may overestimate their awareness of this issue, which can lead to systematic errors in choosing a specialist when seeking help in the field of mental health.
Conclusion. Solving the problem of public literacy when choosing a specialist providing mental health care requires targeted efforts to increase public literacy in this area, including a clear explanation of the roles and competencies of each specialist.
About the Authors
V. N. Buzin
Healthcare Organization of the Russian Research Institute of Health
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Grand PhD in Sociological sciences, Chief Researcher of the Department of Scientific Foundations of the Health Organization, Russian Research Institute of Health, expert of the Russian Academy of Sciences, full State Councilor of the 3rd class
Moscow
T. S. Buzina
Russian University of Medicine
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Grand PhD in Psychological sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of General Psychology, Russian University of Medicine, expert of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chief Freelance Specialist in Medical Psychology at the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the Central Federal District Moscow
Moscow
V. S. Vyskochkov
Healthcare Organization of the Russian Research Institute of Health
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
PhD in Psychological sciences, Junior Researcher at the Department of Scientific Foundations of Healthcare Organization of the Russian Research Institute of Health, Head of the Laboratory of Patient-oriented Healthcare at the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Buzin V.N., Buzina T.S., Vyskochkov V.S. Population's choice of mental health care specialists: a 2024 study. Medical Psychology in Russia. 2026;18(2):2-11. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24884/2219-8245-2026-18-2-2-12
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