Objectives
Research has highlighted under-utilisation of mental health services by older adults. This review aims to systematically review existing literature on older adults’ experiences of accessing community mental health support from secondary care services. The review aims to develop recommendations to improve the mental health support older adults receive.

Method
A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across four databases. Terms relating to older adult experiences and factors impacting access to secondary mental health community services were included. Nineteen eligible papers were identified. Data were thematically synthesised.

Results
Four analytical themes and 12 descriptive subthemes were identified. Overarching themes included social influences and service factors which impacted engagement and accessibility, and personal factors. Sub-themes included mental health knowledge and beliefs, the impact of past experiences and social factors including discrimination and support. Help-seeking behaviours were influenced by accessibility of services, service support and clinician factors.

Conclusion
Educational initiatives can help to increase mental health knowledge of older adults and their families allowing for improved access to services. Increased training for clinicians can improve referral processes and enable services to adapt to the unique needs of older adults. Studies reviewed were worldwide and reflected a range of views supporting relevance of outcomes globally.