Background:

Stigma toward child and adolescent mental health problems among parents has been understudied, despite its importance.

Method:

Sociodemographic variables, stigma associated with mental health problems in childhood and adolescence, myths about suicide, familiarity with mental health, and seeking professional help were assessed in a cross-sectional study in a Spanish sample (N = 268). Descriptive analyses, mean difference and regression models were carried out.

Results:

The results reveal medium levels of stigma, the presence of myths about suicide and average familiarity with mental health. Mothers and a higher level of education, showed lower levels of stigma and fewer myths about suicide. A regression model explains the 44% of the variance with myths about suicide, stigma and familiarity with mental health as predictors of seeking professional help attitudes.

Conclusions:

Stigma, myths surrounding suicide, and parental unfamiliarity with mental health may act as barriers to appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Practical implications and recommendations are discussed.