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Youth with Mental Illness: Attitudes Towards and Therapeutic Benefits of Residential Stepped Care

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Abstract

There is little research reporting the “lived experience” of young people undertaking treatment for mental health conditions. This pilot study explores the phenomenological experiences of a small group of six young people aged 14–18 years who were resident of a youth stepped-care mental health program in the Australian Capital Territory. Using semi-structured interviews, data were collected and two main themes emerged: (a) “Life engagement” and (b) “Relationships.” Participants also provided responses on self-report measures at baseline and follow-up and feedback on aspects of the program. Further research is suggested to build on this study to increase research outcomes.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support of CatholicCare Canberra and Goulburn (Australia), and ACT Health in the development of this study.

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Correspondence to Lynne E. Magor-Blatch.

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Magor-Blatch, L.E., Ingham, L. Youth with Mental Illness: Attitudes Towards and Therapeutic Benefits of Residential Stepped Care. Community Ment Health J 51, 338–346 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-014-9778-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-014-9778-8

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