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Psychiatric services for adolescents with complex mental health needs : A qualitative study of service user preferences

Strøm, Ingrid Byng ; Lexén, Annika LU ; Bonnert, Marianne and Jonsson, Ulf LU (2025) In Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 30(4). p.832-849
Abstract

Background: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) currently seeks to implement service models that are better suited for young service users with complex mental health needs. This study explored what adolescents view as the key components of a well-functioning contact with CAMHS. Methods: This study was conducted as part of the ongoing implementation of Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) in the CAMHS in Stockholm, Sweden. Interviews were conducted with 14 adolescents (64% females) aged 14 to 18 (M = 15.78, SD = 1.32) with intensive or longstanding contact with CAMHS. The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five key themes were generated: (1) “being involved in my care” –... (More)

Background: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) currently seeks to implement service models that are better suited for young service users with complex mental health needs. This study explored what adolescents view as the key components of a well-functioning contact with CAMHS. Methods: This study was conducted as part of the ongoing implementation of Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) in the CAMHS in Stockholm, Sweden. Interviews were conducted with 14 adolescents (64% females) aged 14 to 18 (M = 15.78, SD = 1.32) with intensive or longstanding contact with CAMHS. The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five key themes were generated: (1) “being involved in my care” – receiving relevant information and being part of important care decisions; (2) “accessing care when I need it” – ensuring services are easily accessible and present in the community; (3) “building a good relationship” – developing strong connections with mental health professionals; (4) “sharing the burden” – improving support and organization to reduce stress related to the healthcare system; and (5) “personalizing my care” – tailoring care to individual preferences and circumstances. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of engaging young service users in developing a mental health service that meets complex needs.

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author
; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Adolescents, CAMHS, FACT, implementation, participation, qualitative study, service user involvement
in
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
volume
30
issue
4
pages
832 - 849
publisher
SAGE Publications
external identifiers
  • scopus:105006419117
ISSN
1359-1045
DOI
10.1177/13591045251329151
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
cbfb294f-a750-4ba7-b365-ceda365f8c8c
date added to LUP
2025-09-19 11:44:42
date last changed
2025-10-03 13:42:01
@article{cbfb294f-a750-4ba7-b365-ceda365f8c8c,
  abstract     = {{<p>Background: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) currently seeks to implement service models that are better suited for young service users with complex mental health needs. This study explored what adolescents view as the key components of a well-functioning contact with CAMHS. Methods: This study was conducted as part of the ongoing implementation of Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) in the CAMHS in Stockholm, Sweden. Interviews were conducted with 14 adolescents (64% females) aged 14 to 18 (M = 15.78, SD = 1.32) with intensive or longstanding contact with CAMHS. The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five key themes were generated: (1) “being involved in my care” – receiving relevant information and being part of important care decisions; (2) “accessing care when I need it” – ensuring services are easily accessible and present in the community; (3) “building a good relationship” – developing strong connections with mental health professionals; (4) “sharing the burden” – improving support and organization to reduce stress related to the healthcare system; and (5) “personalizing my care” – tailoring care to individual preferences and circumstances. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of engaging young service users in developing a mental health service that meets complex needs.</p>}},
  author       = {{Strøm, Ingrid Byng and Lexén, Annika and Bonnert, Marianne and Jonsson, Ulf}},
  issn         = {{1359-1045}},
  keywords     = {{Adolescents; CAMHS; FACT; implementation; participation; qualitative study; service user involvement}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{4}},
  pages        = {{832--849}},
  publisher    = {{SAGE Publications}},
  series       = {{Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry}},
  title        = {{Psychiatric services for adolescents with complex mental health needs : A qualitative study of service user preferences}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13591045251329151}},
  doi          = {{10.1177/13591045251329151}},
  volume       = {{30}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}