Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to review empirical evidence of the effects of interventions designed to improve engagement
in mental health services among adolescents, young adults and their families. Investigators searched relevant databases, prior
reviews, and conducted hand searches for intervention studies that met the following criteria: (1) examined engagement in
mental health services; (2) included a comparison condition; and (3) focused on adolescents and/or young adults. Effect sizes
for all reported outcomes were calculated. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. Conceptualizations of engagement and measurement
approaches varied throughout studies. Approaches to improving engagement varied in effectiveness based on level of intervention.
Individual level approaches improved attendance during the initial stage of treatment. While family level engagement interventions
increased initial attendance rates, the impact did not extend to the ongoing use of services, whereas service delivery level
interventions were more effective at improving ongoing engagement. The review illuminated that engagement interventions framed
in an ecological model may be most effective at facilitating engagement. Implications for future research and practice are
discussed.
in mental health services among adolescents, young adults and their families. Investigators searched relevant databases, prior
reviews, and conducted hand searches for intervention studies that met the following criteria: (1) examined engagement in
mental health services; (2) included a comparison condition; and (3) focused on adolescents and/or young adults. Effect sizes
for all reported outcomes were calculated. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. Conceptualizations of engagement and measurement
approaches varied throughout studies. Approaches to improving engagement varied in effectiveness based on level of intervention.
Individual level approaches improved attendance during the initial stage of treatment. While family level engagement interventions
increased initial attendance rates, the impact did not extend to the ongoing use of services, whereas service delivery level
interventions were more effective at improving ongoing engagement. The review illuminated that engagement interventions framed
in an ecological model may be most effective at facilitating engagement. Implications for future research and practice are
discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-26
- DOI 10.1007/s10560-012-0256-2
- Authors
- HyunSoo Kim, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Michelle R. Munson, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Mary M. McKay, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Journal Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2797
- Print ISSN 0738-0151