Barriers to accessing psycho-oncological support in head and neck cancer: A qualitative exploration of healthcare professionals’ perspectives

•Health professionals' perspectives on barriers to accessing psycho-oncological support in head & neck cancer are presented.•Identified barriers were clinician-related, patient-related and organization/health service-related.•Training for clinicians & patients, e.g., in communication skills, is needed to improve psycho-oncology access in this cohort.•Improved psycho-oncology access may improve psycho-social outcomes in this cohort.