Assessing adolescent mental health needs: the views of consumers, providers, and others

The perceived mental health needs of adolescents were measured by questionnaire to groups of teenagers, parents, community child guidance personnel, self-help groups, police and court related people, school personnel, mental health administrators and area board members. Alcohol abuse and unemployment were seen as the first and second priority problems by most groups. Regarding specific services and facilities needed, residential facilities of various types were the most critical concern. Alcohol abuse programs, employment counseling, and family therapy and counseling were also major needs. There was considerable consensus as to needs among both consumers and providers. However, consumers tended to see as higher priority those problems affecting large numbers of adolescents while providers worried more about the seriously disturbed few.