An Exploratory Study of Children's Mental Health Providers' Perspectives on the Transition to Adult Care for Young Adolescents in the Canadian Context

Abstract

PurposeMany youth who receive specialized children's mental health treatment might require additional treatment as young adults. Little is known about how to prepare these youth for transitions to adult care. Design and methodsThis study gained perspectives from children's mental health providers (n = 10) about the process of caring for younger adolescents (aged 12–15) with mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety), who might require mental health services after age 18. Providers were asked about their clients' future mental health needs and the possibility of transition to adult care. ResultsUsing Grounded Theory analysis, an over-arching theme was providers' reluctance to consider the transition process for their younger clients (<16 years old). This stemmed from uncertainty among providers about: (1) who [which youth] will need adult mental health services; (2) when this discussion would be appropriate; and (3) what adult services would be available. Conclusions and practice implicationsFindings indicate a lack of treatment capacity within children's mental health to routinely monitor youth as they approach the age of transfer (18 years old). In the absence of routine monitoring (post-treatment), it may be difficult to predict who will need adult care. A comprehensive evaluation of existing follow-up practices, in children's mental health and beyond, is needed to identify strategies for ensuring adolescents with recurring conditions receive optimal transition care.