An exploration of the process and emotional experiences of young people transitioning between child mental health services (CAMHS) and adult mental health services (AMHS)

This study explores the process and emotional experience of transition from child mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS). Following a review of the literature on relevant studies, including those on service-level preparation and planning and psychoanalytic literature, the researcher notes that there are few studies in relation to how YP describe the emotional experience of transition. Therefore, a core aim of this study is to explore the emotional experience of transition for YP within the developmental period of late adolescence. To fulfil the aims of this mixed-method study, it is separated into two parts. In Study One, an audit that describes the population of YP in CAMHS requiring mental health care transition is given. This also includes which service YP are routinely referred to and by whom. Study Two explores the emotional aspects of transition for three YP. Here, the researcher focuses on the internal worldviews of YP, as demonstrated in their readiness or retreat from transition. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is used to analyse the data along with countertransference reflections. Three overarching superordinate themes and six subordinate themes are selected for detailed exploration. The study found that each participant’s own personal disposition, the way they used their minds, including psychological defences, and their capacity for emotional development, is a significantly important factor in affecting transition success. In the conclusion, the researcher’s identity and position as a child and adolescent psychotherapist is explored. Strengths and limitations of the study are discussed and potential areas for further research are given.