Enhancing Mental Health Care for Children and Young People
The Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP-IAPT) initiative, which began over a decade ago, aims to enhance the availability and accessibility of evidence-based psychological therapies for children, young people, and their families (Fonagy et al., 2017; DfE, 2017, 2018).
At the heart of CYP-IAPT are five core principles: accessibility, accountability, awareness, evidence-based practice, and participation (CAMHS Press, 2014). While these principles provide a strong theoretical foundation, translating them into daily clinical practice can be challenging. The fast-paced nature of clinical work can sometimes make it difficult for practitioners to fully integrate these principles into their interactions with service users.
However, clinicians—whether new to the field or seasoned professionals—are uniquely positioned to bring these principles to life in their day-to-day work with children, young people, and their families.
Accessibility
Making mental health care accessible means breaking down the barriers that prevent children and young people from receiving the support they need. Practitioners can enhance accessibility by communicating clearly and in a way that resonates with young clients and their families. Avoiding clinical jargon and tailoring communication to meet individual preferences fosters open dialogue and meaningful engagement.
Questions for reflection:
- How do I explain important concepts like risk, confidentiality, and consent to my clients?
- How can I ensure that my communication methods are effective and suited to my clients’ needs?
- What do I know about my client’s preferred communication styles?
Accountability
Accountability means holding ourselves to high standards of care and continuously striving to improve. Practitioners demonstrate accountability by regularly monitoring the effectiveness of their interventions, using outcome measures, and seeking feedback from young people and their families. This data-driven approach not only ensures that care is meeting clients’ needs but also builds transparency and trust in the therapeutic relationship.
Questions for reflection:
- Do I use information from outcome measures to prioritise cases for supervision?
- When was the last time I sought feedback from a client, and how did I use that information?
- How do I encourage open and honest feedback from young people and their families?
Awareness
Raising awareness about mental health issues and available resources is key to early intervention and prevention. Practitioners can promote awareness by conducting training sessions, offering psychoeducation in schools or community centres, and incorporating mental health messages into routine communications, such as appointment reminders.
Questions for reflection:
- How could I incorporate mental health awareness into my communications with clients?
- Could I join a community of practice to share and learn from others?
- When did I last discuss promoting awareness in my clinical supervision?
Evidence-Based Practice
Using evidence-based interventions ensures that young people receive the most effective care for their needs. Practitioners can stay current with the latest research by attending professional development workshops, participating in peer supervision, and engaging in continuing education opportunities.
Questions for reflection:
- When did I last attend a CPD event, and how am I applying what I learned?
- Do I regularly consult NICE guidelines and relevant research papers?
- Am I actively participating in peer supervision to enhance my practice?
Participation
Involving young people in their treatment process empowers them to take an active role in their own care. Practitioners can foster participation by creating a collaborative and inclusive therapeutic environment where young people feel heard, valued, and respected. Involving families and caregivers in treatment decisions and providing them with the necessary support also strengthens the care process.
Questions for reflection:
- Do I understand what motivates young people to engage in their care?
- When did I last complete training on participation and co-production?
- How often do I include participation as a topic in my clinical supervision?
As stewards of mental health care, practitioners have a unique opportunity to embody and champion the principles of CYP-IAPT in their everyday practice. By intentionally integrating these principles into their work, practitioners can elevate the quality of care and create a culture of innovation and responsiveness within the mental health field. Together, practitioners and service users can work towards a future where all children and young people have equitable access to the support and resources they need to thrive, both mentally and emotionally.
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References
- Fonagy, P., Pugh, K., & O’Herlihy, A. (2017). The Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme in England. Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(4), 429-435.
- Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education (2017 and 2018). Transforming children and young people’s mental health provision: A green paper.
- CAMHS Press (2014). CYP IAPT principles in Child & Adolescent Mental Health services, values and standards: Delivering With and Delivering Well. ISBN 978-0-9572096-9-5.