Therapeutic relationships within child and adolescent mental health inpatient services: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of young people, family members and nursing staff
Child and adolescent mental health services have arguably never been more essential yet more in need of reform. Inpatient care is necessary for some young people and is a particular concern in relation to quality and outcomes. Progress in psychotherapy and more broadly in mental health care is strongly predicted by the therapeutic relationship between professional and service user. This link is particularly pertinent in child and adolescent mental health inpatient services where relationships are especially complex and difficult to develop and maintain. This article describes a qualitative exploration of the lived experience of 24 young people, family members/carers and nursing staff within this setting. We synthesised data across groups and present six themes, encapsulating the intricacies and impact of therapeutic relationships; their development and maintenance. We hope these findings can be used to improve quality of care by providing a blueprint for policy, training, systemic structures and staff support.