As part of a larger research project, the specific goal of the present study was to provide stakeholders and policymakers with information on CBR programs worldwide. Moreover, many programs for adolescents with MHC are presented online and not in academic publications, which limits knowledge transfer on this topic. Studies show that the integrative service approach increases accessibility and attracts more adolescents to the service (26, 27). As consumers of services, adolescents are encouraged to have agency in their recovery process, engage actively in decision making, and express their opinions and needs about these services (15, 18, 19). However, our initial exploration indicated that many CBR programs for adolescents with MHC are presented online and not in academic Strengthening youth behavioral health workforce publications, which curtails knowledge transfer on this topic. CBR also contributes to the prevention of mental health problems and promotes mental health for all community members.” (p. 5)
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In addition, the members can participate in structured activities to impart social skills and reduce stress, including arts, games, cooking, watching movies and lectures. Evaluation studies conducted on Headspace in Australia have shown that adolescents and family members expressed high satisfaction with the service (17, 26, 37), and that nearly half of the consumers described feeling less mental distress at the end of treatment (26). The centers provide an integrative “one-stop-shop” for adolescents and young adults aged 12–25. This program has been implemented in six regions by the Israel Association of Community Centers and is intended for adolescents with MHC aged 12–18. The YEESI program was established in 2011 in Finland by the Finnish Ministries of Health and Welfare in collaboration with adolescents who have MHC.
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- In 2020, health information systems in nearly half of low-income countries did not have capacity to disaggregate mental health data by age.
- Service providers should thus consider operating adolescent-friendly youth centers that would increase engagement and decrease fear of stigma.
- Twenty-seven psychosocial programs that provide leisure and/or social activities and encourage the promotion of adolescent mental health in the community were identified.
- This scoping review by no means provides an exhaustive account of all programs since it only includes programs with information in English from publications or websites that have an English version.
- Transparency, clarity, and full details are key factors to ease access, engagement and direct communication with adolescents.
Adolescent-friendly facilities can increase adolescent engagement in programs (19) and are perceived as less stigmatized when they are located in the community rather than in a mental health institution (42). Similarly, most programs allow self-referral, without psychiatric diagnosis to enable the inclusion of wider spectrum of users and the promotion of mental health among adolescents. The CHAT team initiates partnerships, projects and campaigns in the community and media to reduce stigma and raise awareness of the center and its services and mental health through theater, arts, exhibitions, and filmmaking. The program operates in 13 centers that provide psychosocial services for users aged 12–25. In Jack Chapters, groups of young trained advocates (mostly high school and college students) learn to break down barriers to positive mental health in youth activities in their communities. Advocacy recovery programs aim to promote awareness of mental health issues by encouraging youth with MHC to engage in campaigns for stigma reduction that empower those involved.
Youth Mental Health Initiatives: Programs, Benefits, and Community Involvement
Twenty-seven psychosocial programs that provide leisure and/or social activities and encourage the promotion of adolescent mental health in the community were identified. For the first round of EBP and CDEP grant funding, DHCS seeks proposals from various individuals, organizations, and agencies to scale parent and caregiver support and training services to parents, caregivers, and children and youth with emerging or existing mental health and/or substance use disorders. This new billing program is supposed to address that, as well as allow schools to expand the types of mental health services they can provide and charge for. The CDPH, OHE intends to award approximately 25 to 30 local-level grants to 501(c)(3) community-based organizations (CBOs) or Tribal organizations or collaborative/partnerships to develop local-level campaigns that address reduction in stigma, and enhance behavioral health literacy for children, youth, families and communities, and increase help-seeking behavior and wellness support. These programs will be equipped to meet the needs of youth, including mental and behavioral health needs, housing, education and employment support, and linkage to other services.
Foster partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and local organizations.4. This collective effort strengthens community support systems and creates a positive impact on overall youth mental health. By collaborating with schools and local organizations, parents can help shape policies that prioritize mental health resources for youth.