Children as consumer participants of child and adolescent mental health services.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study explored children's perspectives of an initial assessment at outpatient child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).


METHODS
A semi-structured qualitative interview was undertaken with nine children aged 7-12 years. Transcribed interviews were analyzed to reveal common themes.


RESULTS
Children generally coped well with the interview. They identified themes involving stigma, qualities and approaches of staff, aspects of the CAMHS environment, and anxiety about attending CAMHS as key issues.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study suggests that it is feasible to interview children regarding their perspectives on attending a CAMHS. Children's views of CAMHS are required to help inform developmentally appropriate service delivery.
Mitchell-Lowe
Margaret
M
Marinoto West Youth Team, Waitemata District Health Board, Waitakere, New Zealand.
Eggleston
Matthew
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003219:Confidentiality; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013240:Stereotyping; D000078329:Workforce