ABSTRACT
Aim
To explore the cognitive treatment preferences of young people with mental illness.
Methods
Two-hundred and fourteen people, aged 12–25 years, were surveyed about their treatment priorities. Participants were specifically asked how they might like to receive cognitive treatments and identify factors that might influence their decisions to participate.
Results
Over half of the participants indicated that they would like to receive treatment face-to-face, in a one-on-one setting, with a treatment focus on both deficits and strengths, or without involvement from friends or family when asked about each preference individually. However, only 11% of people wanted all four of these preferences combined. Treatment cost, effectiveness, therapeutic relationships, and accessibility were the most frequently identified factors that could influence perceived decisions to participate.
Conclusions
The cognitive treatment preferences of young people are variable. Supports focusing on both cognitive strengths and deficits were a novel finding and warrants further attention within existing treatment frameworks.