Engaging with a Mental Health Service: Perspectives of At-Risk Youth

Author： French Rosemary Reardon Melissa Smith Peter

ISSN： 0738-0151

Source： Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, Vol.20, Iss.6, 2003-12, pp. : 529-548

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Abstract

Studies suggest that only a small number of young people with diagnosable mental health difficulties are referred for treatment. Of these a significant proportion fail to engage in treatment or terminate prematurely. This situation is exacerbated when the young people are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and considered to be “at-risk.” With this at-risk population the process of engagement is likely to be a critical aspect of successful interventions. Using qualitative methodology, at-risk clients of a mental health service (n = sixteen) were interviewed, and four primary themes crucial to the engagement process were identified. The data indicated the importance of considering the young person and their multifarious life-experiences; the attractiveness and accessibility of the service; and the follow-up offered by the service provider. The implications for mental health services that provide counseling for young people are discussed.