Process of Selecting Interventions

Families and youth are driving system change to require that mental health services:

• Are culturally sensitive;
• Allow for shared decision-making;
• Incorporate strength-based principles; and
• Respect each individual family member's voice.

Family-driven and youth-guided principles must be included in mental health transformation.

Families are broadly defined here to meet the circumstances of individual youth and their primary caregiver(s) (Examples: mother/father and children, grandmother and child, foster care family, etc.). Youths, when developmentally ready, are considered active team members, and must be consulted about treatment. The selection of evidence-based interventions may be dependent on several factors, such as:

• Presenting problems or diagnosis;
• Access;
• Availability;
• Personal choice; and
• Cost

Difficulty accessing services and limited availability of services affect the experience of families and youth in mental health systems. Insurance, finances, and travel present more barriers.

Resources and guidance are provided in the next several sections for families and youth seeking and selecting treatment services. Links to information and materials that families and youth can use to navigate the mental health system are included.

Helpful Links:

• Taking Charge is a new monograph for families and youth on how to choose the most effective mental health services.
• Mental Health America provides families and youth with helpful information for beginning the process of selecting mental health treatments.
• The Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health provides more information about the principles of family- and youth-guided care.
• The Pacer Center in Minnesota offers helpful resources for parents, specific to emotional and behavioral disorders, as well as educational rights.