Treatment-seeking refers to the process of individuals actively seeking out and engaging in treatment for a mental health or substance abuse issue. This research area focuses on understanding the factors that influence an individual's decision to seek treatment, barriers to treatment seeking, and the effectiveness of different treatment options. Researchers in this area may investigate the role of social, cultural, and economic factors in treatment-seeking behavior, as well as the impact of stigma and discrimination on access to care. The goal of this research is to improve access to and utilization of mental health and substance abuse treatment services, ultimately leading to better outcomes for individuals in need of support.