Clinical Social Work Practice with Former System Youth with Mental Health Needs: Perspective of Those in Need

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the types of programs and mental health services former system youth with mental health histories would be inclined to engage in to manage their mental health difficulties, along with the factors that might hinder them from engaging in these services. A series of closed and open-ended questions on potential programs and services were asked, as part of a larger study. Participants were former system youth; specifically 18-30 year olds who were diagnosed with a mood disorder and were involved with public mental health and social services (e.g., public welfare, child welfare, juvenile justice) during childhood.Responses to the open-ended questions were categorized and percentages are reported from the yes/no items. Eighty-three percent and 76% reported that they would be enticed to come to a support group and panel discussion on mood disorders, respectively, while only 46% reported that they would attend a family support group. Talking with others who have had similar experiences, material possessions and creative expression were the most common responses regarding what would entice them to get involved. Further, peer disrespect, transportation, and daycare were common barriers to potential participation. As the field continues to build knowledge on system-wide strategies to improve agency-based mental health care for transitioning youth and young adults, new evidence-based approaches may benefit from listening to the specific needs, preferences, and suggestions of these youth themselves.

Engagement intervention versus treatment as usual for young adults with serious mental illness: a randomized pilot trial

“…Based on previous research, our hypothesis is that the intervention will have the greatest impact if a licensed clinician delivers it collaboratively with a person with lived experience of mental illness and service use. Research shows that young adults with serious mental illnesses want to learn with others who have similar experiences, those who have "been there" [49]. Communication theory supports this view [18,50].…”

“…Just Do You uses expressive vehicles because young adults report interest in having mental health conversations through creative expression [49]. Further, Malchiodi argues "all expressive therapies focus on encouraging clients to become active participants in the therapeutic process" [51].…”

“…In cancer prevention, narrative expression has been found to decrease client resistance to treatment [ 47 ] and increase hope and confidence [ 48 ]. In our preliminary research, young adults with mood disorders discussed the desire to share their own story and explain to others their experiences [ 49 ]. Thus, the intervention used in this pilot trial employs narrative expression in two ways: (1) celebrity narratives that communicate mental health and treatment engagement messages (e.g., Mary J. Blige, Metta World Peace) and (2) a co-facilitation model that includes a person with lived experience who shares his/her narratives.…”

An Engagement Intervention for Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions

“…In a previous study, young adults reported that they would like to hear from others who have been through similar experiences as the ones that they have been through. 19 Recovery role models are conceptualized as a type of peer in that they also live with a SMHC. However, there is an important distinction between recovery role models and peers, namely they focus on modeling aspects of living independently as an adult with a SMHC and educating by sharing lessons on structured topics (i.e., moving toward acceptance) important to their recovery.…”

“…Such tailored approaches, which were suggested in previous research, may help to capture and maintain young adult's attention, potentially more than the standard manualized versions of psychoeducation content lessons. 19 In addition to normalizing, these techniques hold youth's attention so as to make an impact on cognitive, social, and affective processes that influence intentions and behaviors.…”