“They’ll Give You a Second Chance”: Perceptions of Youth and Caregivers Regarding Their Experiences in a Community-Based Mental Health System of Care

Youth and professional perspectives of mental health resources across eight countries

“…Access to limited resources is hindered by stigma among families and communities ( Mackenzie et al, 2019 ), and the concentration of resources in urban centres for those youth with severe and entrenched disorders ( Kamau et al, 2017 ). Engagement is further compounded by mistrust, and youth not being listened to, or sharing decisions about their care ( Frauenholtz & Mendelhall, 2020 ); these factors are well established globally by help-seeking research. Connections and functionality were highlighted in providing material assistance that should hierarchically meet basic needs, whilst equipping youth with adaptive life skills in a socially inclusive manner ( Kempe, 2012 ).…”

“…Most evidence is based on GNC studies on help-seeking. Youth have been shown to value ease of access, age-friendly approaches and environments, flexibility, building a relationship with professionals, being listened to, receiving individualized care plans, and being empowered as active agents in decisions about their care ( Frauenholtz and Menderhall, 2020 , Loughhead et al, 2018 ). Youth usually feel more comfortable in first seeking informal support such as talking to family, friends and teachers, and/or looking for information by themselves ( Heerde & Hemphill, 2018 ).…”

The REThink Online Therapeutic Game: A Usability Study

“…Flexibility in the delivery of intervention was considered an important factor, with services meeting the needs of consumers, improved quality of information, and materials being provided in the intervention emerging as the main themes. Further, personalized care plans and opportunities for children to exercise their independence were found to be of great importance [ 4 ]. As youths with mental health difficulties need to benefit from specialized interventions, it is important that the design and the delivery of services captures their experience and offers support across different socio-economic and cultural contexts.…”