This session cover four presentation topics, each of which is outlined below. You can also read an abstract for the session here.
1. Effective implementation of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) within Western Australia CAMHS.
Mark Porter, Leartluk Nuntavisit
MST is an intensive family therapy for the families of young persons who have severe externalizing behaviours. It has been implemented widely in the United States, and has been operating in WA for 9 years. The program in W.A. aims to target the families that are “falling through service cracks” as it occurs in the home (and doesn’t rely on visits to clinics).
The study included a combination of self-questionnaires and phone interviews. Research outcomes showed a statistically significant reduction in all subscales of the Child Behaviour checklist, as well as a reduction in parental stress, anxiety, and negative parenting styles.
Both Mark and Leartluk presented MST to be an effective intervention for families. Using intervention with parents and families results in improvements to both the internalizing and externalizing behaviours of children.
Learn more about MST here.
2. In it together
Julie Rowse
Julie presented on the Ballarat Youth Mental Health Service. It provides services for young people aged 15-25 and has experienced significant growth and development in its three years of operation.
Changes were made to the service based on feedback from both young people and family members. These included increased hours of operation and service access, as well as the development of an inter-agency model.
An inter-agency approach helps to ensures the collaboration of the young person, their family and services. At the same time it works towards the young person’s goals, picking up any gaps in their intervention. Needs assessments were completed at regular intervals to ensure the interventions are individual and also genuinely address the young person.
With these changes, the program outcomes included: an increased number of young people wiling to engage in MHS; an improved collaborative approach to treatment; and an greater achievements of goals.
http://www.bhs.org.au/node/257
3. Deliberate self-harm and alcohol use among adolescents
Nina te Pas
Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is defined as directly injuring body tissues without suicidal intent. 10,000 young people to clinical services with DSH each year in Australia.
One article Nina reviewed was a school based research program that builds upon an already successful model of suicide prevention. It attempts to increase knowledge within schools about DSH and to develop a protocol for staff and students. The program was implemented in five schools in the United States. The results show an increase in knowledge, openness to seeking help and a reduction of stigma.
Nina concluded that further attention needs to be given to DSH among young people within schools. This can occur through controlled trails, screenings, gate keeper training and an integrated approach of treating multiple/co morbid disorders and behaviours.
4. Using Consumer Feedback to enhance youth mental health outcomes.
Craig Nicholls, Shraddha Kashyap, Daniela Rigoli
MyOutcome now been given to thousands of clients worldwide. Used to provide information about the strength of the therapeutic alliance and to measure the quality of the bond and agreement between the therapist and the client on their goals, methods and approach on therapy.
The impact of using MyOutcomes included:
- Improvement in treatment outcomes
- More rapid progress
- Reduced premature client drop-outs from therapy
- More opportunities to elicit real-time feedback from clients about their experiences of therapy
Clinicians have found MyOutcome to help focus discussion on progress and the therapeutic relationship and found it to be a useful addition to sessions.
