Abstract
The purpose of this research was to analyze the barriers symptoms of schizophrenia have on the individual when accessing mental health services. This qualitative content analysis study explores the professional’s perspectives who works with this population, on which symptoms are the most difficult to treat, what successes they have had in treating their clients and identify the most unmet needs this population faces in accessing services. Using a snowball sampling method to interview ten mental health professionals in the Sacramento County area who have worked directly with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, five themes emerged that were considered barriers to accessing treatment. These themes included housing stability, medication challenges, symptoms and behaviors, staff turnover and retention, and trainings and treatment services. Implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.