The experiences of young people who move from child to adult mental health services with support from a transition service

The transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) can be a challenging time for young people with mental health difficulties. Currently, much of the available research examining transition from CAMHS to AMHS is based on service providers’ perspectives with limited focus on perspectives of young people. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore how young people experience transition between CAMHS and AMHS. In addition, the experience of being supported by a Transition Service (TS) was also explored. Seven participants were recruited purposively from a third-sector organisation TS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to interpret participants’ accounts. Four superordinate themes emerged from the data: Being a young person with mental health difficulties – capturing feelings associated with being seen in mental health services; The process and immediate impact of change – encompassing thoughts and feelings as young people were ending their involvement with CAMHS; Life after CAMHS – capturing the changes and challenges associated with receiving services from AMHS; and Bridging the gap – highlighting aspects of additional support during the transition process. Findings are considered in relation to existing literature. Developing an understanding of how young people experience the move from CAMHS to AMHS with support from a Transition Service enabled a number of clinical and service recommendations to be made, which focus attention to how young people can be best supported in the transition from CAMHS to AMHS. Limitations of the research and recommendations for future research are also discussed