Addressing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Problems in the Community. Evaluation of a Consultation and Advise Team for Assessment, Support and Referral

Introduction: Youths with mental health problems are often not identified in primary healthcare, which may prevent or delay appropriate support. In the Netherlands, a Consultation and Advise expert team (CandA team) was implemented to support general practitioners (GPs), youth professionals and youths with mental health problems. This study investigates the team’s scope, activities, stakeholders’ and users’ experiences. Method: Interviews and focus groups with policymakers, healthcare professionals, parents and youths were analysed using ATLAS.ti. Demographics and mental health problems of 706 youths (0–18 years) consulting the CandA team, type of healthcare providers consulting the team, and type of care provided by the team (2015–2017) were analysed, using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: Youths consulted the CandA team for ‘other behavioural/psychological complaints’ (41%); irritable/angry behaviour (14%); anxious/nervous behaviour (10%); overactivity (8%); feeling down/depressed (6%). CandA team services were used by GPs, youth counsellors, and youth physicians/nurses. Most stakeholders were positive about the team’s services. Conclusion: The CandA team seems an adequate form of integrated assessment and support for youth mental health problems in the community. The team’s composition, expertise and positioning are success factors. Cooperation with schools could be improved. Quantitative evaluation is needed to investigate effects of the team and adequacy of referrals.