For this to occur, we must carefully consider all of the factors that contribute to the act of reaching out to mental health professionals. The following formula, the GATE equation, provides the road map from which we can direct our efforts. This is a measure of the client's overall motivation to begin the therapy process. It determines how likely an individual is to take the first step toward receiving therapeutic help. This is the measure of psychotherapy's accessibility.
P is the psychological level of distress experienced by the client.
Many disorders can occur with the client having little or no recognition that something is psychologically wrong. Even if afflicted individuals are aware that therapists attempt to cure their problem, they may not have faith and confidence in the healing ability of the mental health profession. If a mentally ill person believes that his or her situation can actually improve as a result of psychotherapy, then the C variable is high. Resource availability Resource availability includes the knowledge of the available resources. This variable also includes how easily an individual will be able to access and afford the resources needed to assist with his or her particular problem.