Key Findings from the Study
The study involved 94 young people in New Zealand who participated in collaborative workshops to envision their ideal mental health service. The analysis identified seven core themes that these young people desire in a mental health service:
- Comfortable: Youth-friendly spaces with bright colors, informal furnishings, and options for activities like games and music.
- Accessible: Services located in easily reachable areas such as malls or via mobile clinics, and affordable or free services.
- Welcoming: Reduced wait times, multiple contact options (including social media), and non-intimidating initial contacts.
- Embedded in the Community: Increased visibility through advertisements, community events, and training for teachers and parents.
- Holistic: Incorporating physical, social, and spiritual health with facilities like gyms, cooking classes, and garden spaces.
- Adaptable: Offering diverse treatment options and flexible involvement of family, with culturally responsive services.
- Youth-Focused: Services specifically designed for young people, treating them as equals and respecting their unique needs.
Implementing These Insights
Practitioners can leverage these findings to improve their service delivery. Here are some practical steps:
- Create Youth-Friendly Spaces: Redesign your clinical environment to be more inviting and reflective of youth culture. Incorporate comfortable seating, bright colors, and activities that resonate with young people.
- Enhance Accessibility: Consider offering services in locations frequented by youth, such as schools or malls. Explore mobile clinics or online therapy options to reach a broader audience.
- Streamline Initial Contact: Simplify the referral process and offer multiple ways for youth to get in touch, including social media and apps. Ensure that the first point of contact is welcoming and non-judgmental.
- Integrate into the Community: Increase your service’s visibility through strategic advertising and community involvement. Conduct workshops and training sessions for teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.
- Adopt a Holistic Approach: Incorporate physical and social activities into your therapy programs. Offer workshops on healthy living and create spaces for relaxation and spiritual well-being.
- Offer Flexible Treatment Options: Provide a variety of therapeutic approaches and allow young people to tailor their treatment plans. Ensure that your services are culturally sensitive and responsive to the diverse needs of your community.
- Focus on Youth: Design services specifically for young people, treating them with respect and as equals. Incorporate their feedback regularly to keep the services relevant and effective.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides a robust framework, continuous research and adaptation are crucial. Engage with your local youth community to gather ongoing feedback and stay updated with international best practices. This iterative process ensures that your services remain relevant and effective.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Can We Build ‘Somewhere That You Want to Go’? Conducting Collaborative Mental Health Service Design with New Zealand’s Young People
