Young people don’t tend to ask for help more than once: Child and adolescent psychiatrists’ views on ailing mental health services for young New Zealanders

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To explore the views of New Zealand doctors working in child and adolescent psychiatry regarding the state of public mental health services. METHODS: All practicing child and adolescent psychiatrists/advanced trainees were electronically surveyed in August 2021. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of feedback was undertaken. RESULTS: Almost 100 specialists responded, an 80% response rate. High levels of dissatisfaction with current services and future service plans were identified. Content analysis identified an overarching theme that child and adolescent services were under great pressure, with subthemes of increased demand, a stretched workforce and social issues driving complex presentations. Recommendations were made for addressing workforce, service design and wider issues. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple measures are needed to improve currently ailing child mental health services, including urgently expanding the number of psychiatrists and other clinical staff.