Adolescents' involvement in mental health treatment and service design: a systematic review

Adolescents' involvement in their mental healthcare is considered a fundamental human right. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the extent and nature of user involvement and limited research on user involvement in adolescent mental healthcare has previously been identified. Given the evolving focus on this area, this study explores the experiences with, the effectiveness of, and safety issues related to adolescents' user involvement in mental healthcare.

We conducted a systematic review, updating our original review with current research evidence relating to adolescents' involvement in mental healthcare at individual and organizational levels. Searches across six databases, screening of reference lists, and suggestions from experts within the field helped to identify 5,527 records, of which 251 full text articles were screened. Established guidelines were used for data extraction, critical appraisal, and reporting of results.

Collectively, the literature searches resulted in 36 eligible studies, of which 28 provided qualitative data and eight provided quantitative data. The quantitative studies identified the importance of personal help and online tools to support adolescents' involvement in their mental healthcare. A few qualitative studies suggested shared decision-making is associated with improved self-reported mental health and treatment satisfaction. No studies focused on safety issues. A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies yielded four themes at the individual level and two themes at the organizational level. The findings highlight the growing recognition of adolescents' right to be involved and their capacity to take part in decision-making, emphasizing shared decision-making, two-way communication, and trust as key components of a collaborative relationship fundamental to user involvement. Further facilitators for user involvement at both individual and organizational levels are described.

The significance of user involvement in adolescent mental healthcare is underscored by a sense of increased empowerment and services tailored to meet adolescents' needs. The evidence gathered from qualitative studies suggests involving adolescents in their treatment contributed to greater motivation for treatment, higher attendance rates, and treatment continuation. User involvement should emphasize adolescents' preferences and a collaborative relationship that incorporates shared decision-making. Further implications for future practice and research are discussed.