Soliciting stakeholders’ views on the organization of child and adolescent mental health services: a system in trouble

Abstract

Abstract Background Despite a high prevalence of mental health problems among children and adolescents Belgium, like many other Western countries, does not have a clear strategy for the organization of child and adolescent mental healthcare services (CAMHS). Methods This paper describes stakeholders’ views on the organization of CAMHS based on a qualitative study. Ten in-depth interviews with high profile stakeholders were complemented by roundtable discussions (n = 30). Results This diagnostic analysis illustrated that the system is in serious trouble characterized by fragmentation and compartmentalization. Conclusion The findings create a sense of urgency that should be used to initiate a system reform of the Belgian CAMHS system.