Abstract:Background: Family member incarceration is a risk factor for mental health challenges. However, less research has investigated the relationship between family member incarceration and barriers to mental health services. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2023 National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) Survey, a nationally representative sample of US veterans living at or below 300% of the federal poverty level (N=978). Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between family member incarceration and self-reported barriers to mental health care, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and military service characteristics. Results: Overall, 42.1% of veterans reported that a family member had been incarcerated. Veterans with an incarcerated family member had 1.63 times greater odds of reporting any barrier to mental health care (95% CI: 1.13–2.33). Specific barriers to mental health care reported by these veterans included embarrassment (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.18, 4.29), being treated differently by peers (OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.24, 5.08), not knowing where to seek help (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.23, 4.10), inadequate transportation (OR = 7.01, 95% CI = 2.99, 16.41), difficulty scheduling appointments (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.65, 4.89), and treatment cost (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.60). Conclusions: Family member incarceration is associated with increased barriers to mental health care among low-income US veterans. These findings highlight the potential value of programs within veteran healthcare that address the barriers to mental health access, especially among those with a history of family member incarceration.