Access and treatment: A national survey of mental health care of children and young people with long-term physical health conditions in England

Abstract

Background: Co-occurring mental and long-term physical health conditions (LTCs) are common in children and young people (CYP). Aims: To conduct a national survey to understand access to mental health services and treatment for CYP with mental health needs and LTCs. Methods: In July 2020, Freedom of Information requests were sent to 66 trusts. Findings: Average waiting times were slightly shorter in CYP with LTCs and they had more sessions than those without LTCs. Many services offered stepped care. There was insufficient useable data to draw meaningful comparisons between CYP with and without LTCs, with many failing to provide data. Conclusions: Young people with mental health needs and LTCs appear to be falling between gaps in service provision and data collection. Parity of esteem between physical and mental health needs to include parity in how data is collected and recorded.