Consumer views on youth-friendly mental health services in South Australia

Objective: This study sought to understand the perspectives of young people (12–25 years) with experience of mental health services on what makes for youth-friendly mental health services. Method: A purposive strategy was used to recruit 32 young people aged 12–25 years with diverse backgrounds, through mental health and youth services. Six semi-structured group interviews were undertaken and one individual interview. We were especially interested in aspects that facilitated or obstructed young people from seeking help, and key experiences across their consumer journey. Transcripts were analysed thematically to identify shared experiences and perspectives across the interviews. Results: Five key themes emerged: the central role that teachers, school counsellors, parents, and friends play in help seeking and responding to crisis; the impact of fear, uncertainty, and stigma in decision-making and engaging with services; finding the right therapist and effective help; ways to improve flexibility and ease of access; the need for better quality consumer information for accessing a mental health service. Discussion: The results of the study have implications for the design of mental health services, providing important insights that can increase young people’s engagement with services, and ultimately, improve the mental health and well-being of young people in Australia.