Adolescent inpatient mental health services in the UK

Inpatient mental health services are an indispensable part of the mental healthcare for adolescents. They provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for young people severely affected by mental health difficulties whose presentation is associated with high level of risk or where diagnostic clarity and effective intervention cannot be achieved with less intensive community input. In the UK, a range of different mental health units have been developed with the aim to meet the needs of young people requiring admission with the appropriate expertise and in the least restrictive way possible. Although an inpatient admission is necessary and helpful for a number of adolescents, it may also be linked to some adverse effects that need to be carefully assessed and managed when such an option is considered or pursued. Collaborative working between inpatient units, community teams and young people and their families is paramount in ensuring that inpatient interventions form part of a wider treatment plan, are as efficient and effective as possible and are used in a way that fosters engagement, independence and optimal outcomes.