Future Of Mental Health Services Research Articles

Mapping the Geographic Inequalities in Psychiatrist Distribution across Madhya Pradesh, India: An Exploratory Study

Objective: The National Mental Health Survey identified a vast treatment gap across India. This treatment gap is partly attributed to the availability and accessibility of mental health services in different states. Accessibility to a psychiatrist in Madhya Pradesh (MP) is essential due to the significant disparity among urban, rural, and tribal regions across the state. The study attempted to identify the geographical disparity of psychiatrists in MP to improve future mental health service delivery. Methods: An online survey of practicing psychiatrists was conducted in December 2022 in the settings of public and private healthcare service delivery systems through offline and online accessibility/availability of psychiatrists practicing in MP, and the data were mapped using geo-locations of psychiatrists and were analyzed using ArcMap 10.8.1. Results: In total, 152 psychiatrists were practicing in MP across 195 locations, which amounts to 0.21 psychiatrists per 100,000 population with a concentration around big cities. Out of 54 districts, 24 districts did not have any practicing psychiatrists. A total of 155 health facilities were identified across 30 (55.6%) districts where at least one psychiatrist provided mental health services. The nearest-neighbor index for 152 points was –13.69. Conclusions: Combining psychiatrist geo-mapping data with population data comprehensively explains the MP state’s mental health service delivery needs. It could be wise to improve the spatial distribution of psychiatrists in each district rather than achieving the recommended ratio of doctors to patients per state. These data need to be supplemented with qualitative inquiry to help policymakers and health planners generate effective public–private partnerships in mental health service delivery in the coming time.

Impact of Opt-Out Therapy Appointments on Resident Physicians' Mental Health, Well-Being, Stigma, and Willingness to Engage.

Background Health care professionals report higher levels of mental health symptoms, pandemic-related stress, personal health concerns, and reduced proactive coping, especially in recent years marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. As physician utilization rates of mental health and well-being services remain low, the need for preemptive care is crucial. Objective The present study sought to ascertain satisfaction, value, and attitude toward future mental health services among resident physicians. Methods Throughout the 2020-2021 academic year, resident physicians within 8 training programs at a large academic training hospital were offered single opt-out mental health appointments from hospital-funded, graduate medical education wellness staff at no cost to the resident. Appointments were conducted virtually during protected work time. A survey was sent to participants within 2 weeks following their appointment. Results A total of 153 residents (postgraduate years 1 to 7) were offered one-time opt-out appointments. Overall, 91 (59%) residents attended their opt-out appointments. Survey response rate was 57% (n=52). Respondents reported high levels of satisfaction (96%, 50 of 52), felt the appointment was worth their time (96%, 50 of 52), and felt that the opt-out appointments demonstrated training programs cared about their well-being (94%, 49 of 52). Nearly all residents (98%, 51 of 52) recommended appointments be offered to future residents. Most respondents (80%, 42 of 52) indicated that appointments increased their willingness to engage in mental health services. Conclusions Opt-out appointments increased resident willingness to engage in mental health services, positive attitudes toward future mental health services, perceived training program's care about their well-being, and reduced perceived mental illness stigma.

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare: Paving the Future of Mental Health in India

This research paper explores the concept of integrated behavioral healthcare (IBHC) and its potential as a transformative approach to the future of mental health services in India. This paper explores how integrated care can bridge the gap between physical and mental health, enhance access to services, and improve outcomes by recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities in the Indian healthcare landscape. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the subject and discusses policy implications for the Indian context towards improving mental health outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Nurses' Perceptions on How Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Care Can Be Developed and Implemented.

This study explored how nurses working in inpatient mental health units perceived the development and implementation of a recovery-oriented mental healthcare programme (ROMHCP). The recovery-oriented mental healthcare approach (ROMHCA) in mental health is regarded as the future of mental health services and has been implemented in different countries worldwide. However, regarding developing and implementing the recovery approach, Africa appears to have been left behind by the rest of the continents. The study used a qualitative approach to describe how a recovery-oriented mental healthcare approach could be developed. Thirty nurses who worked in Botswana's four inpatient mental health facilities consented and voluntarily participated in the study. Data were collected from February to mid-March 2022 through online focus group discussions and analysed using thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist was used to report the findings. Two main themes emerged as follows: (i) developing and implementing a recovery-oriented mental healthcare programme is possible and (ii) certain elements are required to develop and implement ROMHCP. The participants believed that people diagnosed with mental illness could recover from the illness and suggested how it could be achieved. They also contended that the programme's success would lie mainly with multisectoral support from policymakers, facilities, hospital personnel, patients, and the community. Clinical Relevance. ROMHCP has the potential to benefit people with mental illness in the country. In addition, it would allow nurses to improve their knowledge and skills in managing mental illnesses. Patient or Public Contribution. The patients and the general public did not contribute to the study's concept, design, and outcomes. However, the nurses working in mental health facilities volunteered to participate in the study.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Post-Tornado Distress among Persons with Disabilities

This study examined the direct effects of tornado exposure and protective resources on post-disaster distress among (N = 209) persons with disabilities following a tornado outbreak in the Midwest and Southeast on December 10–11, 2021 using structural equation modeling. Results found the degree of tornado exposure (e.g., injury, loss of loved ones, property damage, etc.) increased the likelihood of experiencing higher levels of PTSD and depression. Results also found that higher levels of protective resources (physical, social, and emotional) were found to protect against post-tornado PTSD and depression. Findings can inform future post-disaster mental health services for persons with disabilities.

A Fully Automated Self-help Biopsychosocial Transdiagnostic Digital Intervention to Reduce Anxiety and/or Depression and Improve Emotional Regulation and Well-being: Pre-Follow-up Single-Arm Feasibility Trial.

Anxiety disorders and depression are prevalent disorders with high comorbidity, leading to greater chronicity and severity of symptoms. Given the accessibility to treatment issues, more evaluation is needed to assess the potential benefits of fully automated self-help transdiagnostic digital interventions. Innovating beyond the current transdiagnostic one-size-fits-all shared mechanistic approach may also lead to further improvements. The primary objective of this study was to explore the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of a new fully automated self-help biopsychosocial transdiagnostic digital intervention (Life Flex) aimed at treating anxiety and/or depression, as well as improving emotional regulation; emotional, social, and psychological well-being; optimism; and health-related quality of life. This was a real-world pre-during-post-follow-up feasibility trial design evaluation of Life Flex. Participants were assessed at the preintervention time point (week 0), during intervention (weeks 3 and 5), at the postintervention time point (week 8), and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups (weeks 12 and 20, respectively). The results provided early support for the Life Flex program in reducing anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9), psychological distress (Kessler 6), and emotional dysregulation (Difficulties in Emotional Regulation 36) and increasing emotional, social, and psychological well-being (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form); optimism (Revised Life Orientation Test); and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3L Utility Index and Health Rating; all false discovery rate [FDR]<.001). Large within-group treatment effect sizes (range |d|=0.82 to 1.33) were found for most variables from pre- to postintervention assessments and at the 1- and 3-month follow-up. The exceptions were medium treatment effect sizes for EQ-5D-3L Utility Index (range Cohen d=-0.50 to -0.63) and optimism (range Cohen d=-0.72 to -0.79) and small-to-medium treatment effect size change for EQ-5D-3L Health Rating (range Cohen d=-0.34 to -0.58). Changes across all outcome variables were generally strongest for participants with preintervention clinical comorbid anxiety and depression presentations (range |d|=0.58 to 2.01) and weakest for participants presenting with nonclinical anxiety and/or depressive symptoms (|d|=0.05 to 0.84). Life Flex was rated as acceptable at the postintervention time point, and participants indicated that they enjoyed the transdiagnostic program and biological, wellness, and lifestyle-focused content and strategies. Given the paucity of evidence on fully automated self-help transdiagnostic digital interventions for anxiety and/or depressive symptomatology and general treatment accessibility issues, this study provides preliminary support for biopsychosocial transdiagnostic interventions, such as Life Flex, as a promising future mental health service delivery gap filler. Following large-scale, randomized controlled trials, the potential benefits of fully automated self-help digital health programs, such as Life Flex, could be considerable. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615000480583; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=368007.

Review: Improving access to mental health interventions for children from birth to five years: A Scoping Review.

In spite of infants and children aged 0-5 years experiencing mental health difficulties being estimated to be in the range of 6%-18% globally, the mental health care needs for this age group are often overlooked in the design of specialist mental health services. Although there is increasing recognition of the importance of infant mental health services and treatments for younger children, access remains a barrier. Mental health services specifically designed for children 0-5 years are vital; however, little is known about how these services ensure access for infants at risk of mental health difficulties and their families. This scoping review seeks to address this knowledge gap. A scoping review methodology framework was used to search for relevant articles published between January 2000 and July 2021, identified using five databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocIndex and Web of Science. The selection of studies was based on empirical research about access to infant mental health services and models of care. A total of 28 relevant articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. Findings can be summarised under five broad themes: (1) accessibility for at-risk populations (2) the importance of early detection of infants in need of mental health services and interventions; (3) the promotion of culturally responsive services and interventions; (4) ensuring the sustainability of IMH services and programs and (5) the integration of innovative interventions to improve existing practice models. The findings from this scoping review highlight barriers to access and provision of infant mental health services. Future infant mental health service design, informed by research, is needed to improve access for infants and young children with mental health difficulties and their families.

Implementation of telemedicine consultations for people with mental health conditions in the community: a protocol for a systematic review.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic response has led to an exponential increase in the use and spread of telemedicine internationally. In community mental health care settings, telemedicine services were implemented within a few weeks, with little time for rigorous planning. Despite the reported acceptability of telemedicine by patients and clinicians, barriers to its implementation have come to light. There is now a need to investigate these barriers, and facilitators, as telemedicine begins to show potential promise beyond the pandemic. We propose a review that aims to identify the factors affecting the implementation of telemedicine consultations for patients with mental health conditions in the community. Methods: A systematic review will be conducted and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Five electronic databases will be searched using a pre-defined search strategy from 2016 to 2021. Only studies of synchronous, interactive telemedicine consultations conducted via video, phone or live messaging between patients and providers will be included. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies will be eligible for inclusion. Only studies published in the English language will be included. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two reviewers. Full text articles will be screened by two reviewers. The methodological quality of studies will be assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) by two reviewers. Data will be extracted and tabulated to address the aims of the review. A narrative synthesis will be conducted and reported factors will be mapped to the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Conclusion: By identifying the factors that influence the implementation of telemedicine consultations for patients with mental conditions in the community, consideration can be given to both barriers and facilitators that could be addressed in future mental health services planning. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021273422 (04/10/2021).

Impact of COVID-19 on the lives and mental health of children and adolescents.

Student mental health is an integral part of the fight against disease, and health was an evolving concern during the spread of COVID-19. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, physical distancing and social restrictions were introduced, and because of these, it was found a great impact on students' lives and their mental health. Adolescent mental health is focused on prevention, early detection, therapeutic innovation, and service development. In these circumstances, service providers can expand telemedicine Digital services that may help provide future mental health services to young people, particularly students. This study collects and analyzes data from students on the impact of these new online learning techniques, and by collecting and analyzing the challenges and issues faced by college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was based on and extended the European Students' Union Survey and targeted higher education students concerning what student life looked like during the pandemic, including teaching and learning, their social contacts, habits/routines, as well as how they were coping with the situation emotionally and financially. The case of universities and distance learning education units in higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic process. This article highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on students of all ages and their time schedules such as online learning and reflection, study environment, sleep habits, routines, and outcomes. It was found that the students generally require greater self-discipline and motivation to complete online classes. It was also reflected that the pandemic adversely affected student mental health, leading to an increased prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This may have a significant impact on their mental health issues such as frustration, stress, and sadness. This will significantly lead to cooperation between various local authorities and the private sector.

Implementation of telemedicine consultations for people with mental health conditions in the community: a protocol for a systematic review

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic response has led to an exponential increase in the use and spread of telemedicine internationally. In community mental health care settings, telemedicine services were implemented within a few weeks, with little time for rigorous planning. Despite the reported acceptability of telemedicine by patients and clinicians, barriers to its implementation have come to light. There is now a need to investigate these barriers, and facilitators, as telemedicine begins to show potential promise beyond the pandemic. We propose a review that aims to identify the factors affecting the implementation of telemedicine consultations for patients with mental health conditions in the community. Methods: A systematic review will be conducted and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Five electronic databases will be searched using a pre-defined search strategy from 2016 to 2021. Only studies of synchronous, interactive telemedicine consultations conducted via video, phone or live messaging between patients and providers will be included. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies will be eligible for inclusion. Only studies published in the English language will be included. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two reviewers. Full text articles will be screened by two reviewers. The methodological quality of studies will be assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) by two reviewers. Data will be extracted and tabulated to address the aims of the review. A narrative synthesis will be conducted and reported factors will be mapped to the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Conclusion: By identifying the factors that influence the implementation of telemedicine consultations for patients with mental conditions in the community, consideration can be given to both barriers and facilitators that could be addressed in future mental health services planning. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021273422 (04/10/2021)

Is life satisfaction associated with future mental health service use? An observational population-based cohort study

ObjectiveTo investigate the prospective association between life satisfaction and future mental health service use in: (1) hospital/emergency department, and (2) outpatient settings.Design and settingPopulation-based cohort study of adults from Ontario,...

Implementation of telemedicine consultations for people with mental health conditions in the community: a protocol for a systematic review

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic response has led to an exponential increase in the use and spread of telemedicine internationally. In community mental health care settings, telemedicine services were implemented within a few weeks, with little time for rigorous planning. Despite the reported acceptability of telemedicine by patients and clinicians, barriers to its implementation have come to light. There is now a need to investigate these barriers, and facilitators, as telemedicine begins to show potential promise beyond the pandemic. We propose a review that aims to identify the factors affecting the implementation of telemedicine consultations for patients with mental health conditions in the community. Methods: A systematic review will be conducted and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Five electronic databases will be searched using a pre-defined search strategy from 2016 to 2021. Only studies of synchronous, interactive telemedicine consultations conducted via video, phone or live messaging between patients and providers will be included. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies will be eligible for inclusion. Only studies published in the English language will be included. Titles and abstracts will be screened by two reviewers. Full text articles will be screened by a single reviewer, with a random 20% sample screened by a second reviewer. The methodological quality of studies will be assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) by two reviewers. Data will be extracted and tabulated to address the aims of the review. A narrative synthesis will be conducted and reported factors will be mapped to the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Conclusion: By identifying the factors that influence the implementation of telemedicine consultations for patients with mental conditions in the community, consideration can be given to both barriers and facilitators that could be addressed in future mental health services planning. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021273422 (04/10/2021).

A qualitative investigation of promotores' perspectives on task-shifting evidence-based mental health care for Latinxs in a rural community.

Promotores de salud (i.e., community health workers) have the potential to provide much-needed mental health services in Latinx communities, particularly in areas with provider shortages. This study used qualitative methods to explore promotor/a perspectives on mental health task shifting, with a focus on developing understanding of their definition of a promotor/a, obtaining feedback on the appropriateness of sample content of an evidence-based intervention for anxiety and depression in their community, and considering concerns regarding potential barriers to future implementation of services to Latinxs in a rural community. Promotores de salud (N = 16) were recruited from a network of primary care practices to participate in three semistructured focus groups. Qualitative analyses revealed that promotores viewed themselves as caretakers of their community and believed that mental health care fell within that role. After being presented with materials of an evidence-based behavioral intervention for anxiety and depression during the focus groups, promotores expressed that the sample materials seemed appropriate for their community, as well as a general perception that they could deliver such strategies with future training. Promotores voiced concerns about potential barriers to patients accessing mental health care, including mental health stigma and poor community mental health literacy, and discussed the potential benefits of involving promotores to address some of these barriers. Overall, results of this study indicate promotor/a support of the idea of mental health task shifting, as well as a perception that their involvement may improve future mental health service utilization and engagement among Latinxs in a rural community. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental Health Service User and Worker Experiences of Psychosocial Support Via Telehealth Through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw telehealth rapidly become the primary way to receive mental health care. International research has validated many of the benefits and challenges of telehealth known beforehand for specific population groups. However, if telehealth is to assume prominence in future mental health service delivery, greater understanding of its capacity to be used to provide psychosocial support to people with complex and enduring mental health conditions is needed.ObjectiveWe focused on an Australian community-managed provider of psychosocial intervention and support. We aimed to understand service user and worker experiences of psychosocial support via telehealth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study was jointly developed and conducted by people with lived experience of mental ill health or distress, mental health service providers, and university-based researchers. Semistructured interviews were conducted between August and November 2020 and explored participant experiences of receiving or providing psychosocial support via telehealth, including telephone, text, and videoconferencing. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically; quantitative data were collated and analyzed using descriptive statistics.ResultsService users (n=20) and workers (n=8) completed individual interviews via telephone or videoconferencing platform. Service users received psychosocial support services by telephone (12/20, 60%), by videoconferencing (6/20, 30%), and by both telephone and videoconferencing (2/20, 10%). Of note, 55% (11/20) of service user participants stated a future preference for in-person psychosocial support services, 30% (6/20) preferred to receive a mixture of in-person and telehealth, and 15% (3/20) elected telehealth only. Two meta-themes emerged as integral to worker and service user experience of telehealth during the pandemic: (1) creating safety and comfort and (2) a whole new way of working. The first meta-theme comprises subthemes relating to a sense of safety and comfort while using telehealth; including trusting in the relationship and having and exercising choice and control. The second meta-theme contains subthemes reflecting key challenges and opportunities associated with the shift from in-person psychosocial support to telehealth.ConclusionsOverall, our findings highlighted that most service users experienced telehealth positively, but this was dependent on them continuing to get the support they needed in a way that was safe and comfortable. While access difficulties of a subgroup of service users should not be ignored, most service users and workers were able to adapt to telehealth by focusing on maintaining the relationship and using choice and flexibility to maintain service delivery. Although most research participants expressed a preference for a return to in-person psychosocial support or hybrid in-person and telehealth models, there was a general recognition that intentional use of telehealth could contribute to flexible and responsive service delivery. Challenges to telehealth provision of psychosocial support identified in this study are yet to be fully understood.

Sleep duration and auditory hallucinations: Genetic correlation and two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Objectives: Previous studies have found that sleep problems are associated with psychotic experiences (PEs) across clinical designs, but many confounding factors from uncertain variables have been unclear in observational designs. The aim of the present study was to detect the genetic correlations and causal relationship between sleep-related traits and PEs using the largest current genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics. Methods: GWAS results were obtained for positive PEs (N = 116,787–117,794) and sleep-related traits [insomnia complaints (N = 386,533), morningness (N = 345,552), sleep duration (N = 384,317), ease of getting up in the morning (N = 385,949), daytime napping (N = 386,577), daytime sleepiness (N = 386,548), and snoring (N = 359,916)]. Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) was used to investigate genetic correlations. Mendelian randomization (MR) was conducted on trait pairs with significant genetic associations. Results: We found that auditory hallucinations were significantly genetically correlated with insomnia complaints (rg = −0.27, p = 1.1 × 10−3), sleep duration (rg = 0.21, p = 9.7 × 10−3), and ease of getting up (rg = 0.31, p = 2 × 10−4). Visual hallucinations and insomnia complaints were highly genetically correlated (rg = 0.36, p = 6.4 × 10−5). Mendelian randomization indicated a unidirectional causal relationship between sleep duration with auditory hallucinations (β = −0.93, p = 7.9 × 10−4 for sleep duration as the exposure). We used large GWAS summary statistics across the LDSC and MR programs to determine that sleep duration as exposure to increase the risk of auditory hallucinations. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that treatment of sleep problems should be considered as a higher priority for future mental health services.

In search of 'community': a critical review of community mental health services for women in African settings.

Community is deemed a central resource for the improvement of health, across disciplines, contexts and conditions. However, what is meant by this term is rarely critically explored. In Global Mental Health, considerable efforts in recent years have been directed towards scaling up 'community' approaches, with variable success, creating the need to better understand approaches to its use. Our study contributes to this need, through a critical review of studies engaging with the term 'community' in relation to women's mental health services in African settings. Our review explored 30 peer-reviewed articles from the past 15 years, which were systematically evaluated for quality of evidence. Studies were then analysed using a blend of conventional and directed content analysis to unpack perspectives on the term's use in intervention and phenomenological studies. We identified four broad categories of community: (1) place (shared geographical location or institutional affiliation), (2) practice (belongingness to a shared activity or profession), (3) symbols (meanings and experiences associated with shared community life) and (4) identity (diagnostic identity around a mental health condition). Analysis identified community of place as the most common primary focus of interest across the sample, with 80% of papers referencing this dimension. We noted that in studies where communities of practice were the focus, this was in relation to leveraging local knowledge to inform or support service delivery of intervention programmes, often designed by outsiders. Implications for future policy and mental health services research are discussed.

A retrospective case study of the thematic content of psychotic experiences in a first episode psychosis population

Background Historically, the content of psychotic experiences has tended to be of little importance to biological psychiatry, with hallucinations and delusions being seen as symptoms of mental illness rather than meaningful experiences or responses to life circumstances. Aims This study aims to explore the thematic content of psychotic phenomena in a sample of clients with a first episode of psychosis. Methods The electronic medical records of 160 services users of two Early Intervention for Psychosis Services were comprehensively reviewed. A thematic analysis was used to explore the thematic content of psychotic symptoms recorded by healthcare professionals. Results The results illustrate 30 themes and 85 sub-themes. This includes delusional beliefs (e.g. “being harmed, attacked or killed”, “being monitored or followed by others”, “special powers or abilities”) and hallucinations (e.g. “commanding voice”, “derogatory/critical voice”, “commentary”). Conclusions The results illustrate the extensive and varied experience of psychosis within this sample. Based on the findings of this study, it is hoped that future research studies and mental health services will attend to the meaning and content of psychotic experiences.

Preliminary Validation of the Parental Help-Seeking Stage of Change Measure for Child Behavior Problems

Most families of children with behavior problems do access treatment. The purpose of this study was to test a parental measure of readiness to seek help for their child’s behavior problems. Data was collected annually from 148 parents at their child’s first contact with either mental health services or juvenile justice court or services. Psychopathology, service use, and factors related to service use were assessed. The majority of the sample was male (64%) and Black/African American (63%) with a mean age of 11.93 years (SD = 2.75). We administered a measure specifically developed for this study to assess stages of change in parents’ readiness to seek help for their child’s behavior problems. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the stages of change and regression modeling to assess construct and criterion validity of the resulting readiness score. CFA of the revised subscales showed acceptable fit. Readiness scores were associated with current and future use of specialty mental health services. Higher readiness scores were associated with parents perceiving their child’s behavior as worse compared to peers, more child attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, and greater parental burden. Higher readiness scores were not associated with total family resources, symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Scores from this measure were associated with factors that predict service engagement, and predict current and future mental health service utilization. These results indicate construct and criterion validity of measuring parental help-seeking for child behavior problems within a stages of change framework.

Student perspectives on mental health support and services in the UK

ABSTRACTStudent mental health is an issue of growing concern. Past research indicates that many students are not accessing the support they require, which may in part be due to issues surrounding the standards of the available services. Using a participatory framework, the current study utilised a mixed-methods design to examine student experiences of National Health Service (NHS) mental health services and perspectives of peer support. An online survey was completed by 376 UK students to examine their experiences of NHS mental health services, as well as their attitudes towards peer support. Several improvements were identified for future NHS mental health services regarding reduced waiting times, better access to alternative treatments and facilitating more patient-centred communication. Benefits of peer support services were also noted, including the potential to normalise experiences and promote belonging. These findings have implications for understanding how we can best support students experiencing mental health difficulties.

The future of mental health services: The organising challenge ahead

The future of mental health services: The organising challenge ahead