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Young People and Mental Health: Customer Service

NCJ Number
179408
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: September 1999 Pages: 25-29
Author(s)
Sharon Wright; Graham Martin
Date Published
September 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines mental health services to determine which ones are likely to be accepted by and useful to young people suffering from depression but who may not want to accept help.
Abstract
This is the second part of a project to provide care for young people suffering from depression. The first part discussed two key areas of treatment -- access and alliance -- and this article focuses on the principles of customer services. When dealing with young people, it is important to meet privately with them to determine what they want and not rely on information from adults or persons in authority. The client and therapist need to develop a relationship and an agreement on a number of goals they would like to achieve in therapy. An informal approach to their meetings may be helpful; talking while going for a walk might produce more discussion and be less intimidating for the young person than a formal session in an office. The therapist also needs to inform the client of the limits of therapy and the boundaries of confidentiality. References