Jackson, Kenisha (2024) How do we understand the underrepresentation of Black children and families accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)? A mixed methods qualitative research with professionals and service users. Professional Doctorate thesis, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust/University of Essex. Full text available

Preview

PDF (Jackson (How)) Jackson - How.pdf - Published Version Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

This research explores how professionals and service users make sense of the underrepresentation of Black children and families engaging with mental health services. A recent audit of referrals received in an inner London Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) confirmed the underrepresentation. Using a Qualitative, Reflexive Thematic Analysis, audio recorded and transcribed, semi-structured interviews in focus groups explored the lived experiences of four Black mothers of African-Caribbean descent who accessed CAMHS; and four professionals who shared their experiences of working with Black families in need of mental health support. The findings revealed that difference, mistrust, fear, and disjointed thinking within the professional network affected access and engagement. Families described feeling isolated in their attempts to navigate the service and access support, and service satisfaction was variable depending on the stage of access. However, the children progressed when a good therapeutic alliance developed between service users and professionals. The findings were analysed, and the implications for the Black community, the practice of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and the NHS were considered using psychoanalytic concepts.

Item Type:	Thesis (Professional Doctorate)
Additional Information:	Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Essex for the degree of Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Professional Doctorate in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, University of Essex, Black African-Caribbean, CAMHS, Health Inequalities, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Reflexive Thematic Analysis, Focus Groups, Under, Representation
Subjects:	Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Child Psychotherapy Children, Young People and Developmental Pyschology > Adolescents - Psychotherapy Groups & Organisations > Racial/Cultural Groups Psychological Therapies, Psychiatry, Counselling > Patient/Therapist Interaction Race and Culture > Culture and Psychotherapy
Department/People:	Children, Young Adult and Family Services Research
URI:	https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/2888

Actions (Library Staff login required)

View Item