We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The headspace Brief Interventions Clinic: Increasing timely access to effective treatments for young people with early signs of mental health problems.
- Authors
Schley, Carsten; Pace, Nicholas; Mann, Rhianna; McKenzie, Catherine; McRoberts, Alison; Parker, Alexandra
- Abstract
Aim: Timely access to treatment in the early stages of mental illness is pivotal to recovery and prevention of longer‐term disablement. Yet, this can be challenging at times of growing service demands. The headspace Brief Interventions Clinic (BIC) is an innovative treatment model aiming to promote quick access to evidence‐based interventions for young people presenting with early signs of mental disorders. Methods: The BIC treatment package comprises eight skill‐building and behavioural intervention modules that young people can choose from. Treatment occurs over a maximum of six sessions with graduate students under supervision. Treatment outcomes are compared at baseline and final sessions, with client satisfaction measured at the final session. Results: Allocation to the BIC occurred within 2 to 3 weeks of initial referral. Most young people (73%) completed their treatment, attending on average four sessions. Significant reductions in overall psychological distress, depressive symptomatology and anxiety severity ratings were observed at completion of treatment, as well as significant improvements in social and occupational functioning. About 91% of young people stated that their outcome expectations had been entirely met and 95% were entirely satisfied with their treatment experience. A strong therapeutic relationship, specific strategies for managing emotions, coping and problem‐solving and a choice of engaging in flexible and modularised content were identified as the most valued experiences by young people. Conclusion: The BIC might be ideally suited for health care settings aiming to promote timely access to treatments for young people with early signs of mental disorders.
- Subjects
YOUTH; MENTAL health; CLIENT satisfaction; PSYCHOLOGICAL distress; MENTAL illness
- Publication
Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 2019, Vol 13, Issue 5, p1073
- ISSN
1751-7885
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/eip.12729