2: Inside the Teen Brain - A State of Independence

Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH)

DOI: 10.13056/acamh.13664
In this episode, Inside the Teen Brain: Youth Experience in CAMHS, Isabella Plows shares her lived experience of accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and reflects on the key factors that supported her recovery. She highlights the importance of building trusting, consistent relationships with professionals, the value of clear communication, and the need for structured and goal-oriented care. Isabella also discusses the challenges young people face while waiting for services, offering practical suggestions such as regular updates, access to resources, and community-based support to bridge this gap. Emphasizing the importance of continuity, she highlights the value of extending CAMHS support to age 25 to better align with ongoing brain development and life transitions. This insightful conversation provides invaluable perspectives for professionals striving to improve services for young people.
Learning Objectives
A. To understand the importance of building trusting and consistent relationships with young people in mental health services.
B. To explore strategies for supporting young people during waiting periods for CAMHS interventions.
C. To identify opportunities for improving continuity and structure in mental health care for adolescents and young adults.