The results of a study conducted at Caucasus University, titled "Exploring Stigma Associated with Mental Health Services Among College Students in Georgia," were published in the influential international peer- refereed journal Bulgarian Journal of Psychiatry.

The authors of the paper are Professor Tengiz Verulava from the School of Business and Lika Gabunia, a graduate of the Sociology Program from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Article link. 

The journal “Bulgarian Journal of Psychiatry” is indexed in the SCOPUS international scientific database. 

Abstract:

Access to mental health services is essential for people with mental health problems, however they often refuse or fail to seek professional help. One of the main factors that prevent people from seeking professional help is stigma in society, which refers to the negative attitude of society towards people who have mental health problems. The purpose of the research is to study the attitude of students in Georgia towards mental health issues and the role of stigma in accessing mental health care. 

The study showed that students only have a general understanding of mental health and lack the necessary information about mental health services. Students believe that receiving mental health care is important, but often this is not possible due to various barriers. According to them, the main barriers to receiving mental health care are stigma, self-stigma, and the high cost of the services.