Which term describes factors or experiences that prevent clients from seeking help?

• A. Barriers
• B. Facilitators
• C. Motivators
• D. Pathways

Answer: (A)

Barriers describe factors or experiences that prevent clients from seeking help. These obstacles can be internal, like stigma, fear of judgment, denial, or a low perceived need, or external, such as cost, transportation difficulties, inconvenient hours, long wait times, complicated enrollment, or language barriers. Because barriers block access and deter someone from even initiating contact with services, they are the best fit for describing what hinders help-seeking. In contrast, facilitators are what make it easier to seek help, motivators are the reasons people decide to act, and pathways refer to the routes or processes used to access care rather than what stops someone from seeking it.