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The Mental Health Service enables adolescents aged 14-21 and their families to be seen without delay. It offers consultation, assessment and short-term psychodynamic therapy services, psychological assessment and therapy and long-term intensive psychotherapy.
Young Persons Consultation - Assessment and Short- Term Therapy
In the consultation service young people are offered assessment and short-term therapeutic intervention in which they would discuss their needs with a Psychoanalyst, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist or Clinical Psychologist. In these sessions, staff members encourage the adolescents to discuss their problems against the background of their family, school/college/work and social lives. For some adolescents, a few interviews will be enough and no further action will be called for. For others, particularly those who are at risk of mental breakdown and suicide, longer-term treatment may be advised. After a number of sessions, our clinical team meets to discuss whether further treatment is appropriate. For some adolescents, individual psychotherapy is the most appropriate form of treatment. In other cases alternatives are recommended, such as family therapy, group therapy, other psychological therapies (such as CBT) or in-patient treatments.
Adolescents and Families - Tier 2 Service (in partnership with BKCW)
We also see adolescents within a family setting. Young persons and their families are offered a number of interviews to determine the nature of their difficulties. This service is usually offered to adolescents aged 14 to 17 years old and is staffed by a Child & Adolescent Analyst, two Child & Adolescent Psychotherapists, a Family Therapist and a Clinical Psychologist.
Referrals
We receive referrals from a number of sources, including GPs and schools, the Brent Child and Family Clinic, Community Mental Health Teams, Brent Social Services, Youth Offending Team, Brent Education Department, voluntary organisations, family members, friends and young person's self-referrals.
Outcomes and audit
The work of the Mental Health Service is continuously monitored through weekly clinical meetings. The aim of these meetings is to assess the adolescent's state of mind, progress in treatment and ability to function in everyday life. Demographic data on adolescents are collected as well as information about family, referrers, social and economic circumstances, problems presented and diagnosis. In June 2000 a Research Psychologist has been appointed and our clinical audit and outcome evaluation measures were re-designed to reflect the adolescent population attending the Centre.
Design by
Jordan IT