Experiences of ethnic minoritised young people in a specialist child and adolescent mental health service: A qualitative analysis as part of a mixed methods service evaluation

Abstract

Background There have been several reports of inequalities for ethnic minoritised service users across National Health Service mental health services in the United Kingdom. This research aims to explore the perspectives and experiences of young people from ethnic minoritised groups accessing psychological therapy in a National Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in England. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate how young people perceived their ethnicity and how it was considered during psychological therapy. Nine young people were interviewed, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Results Qualitative analysis revealed five themes: (1) adolescence, ethnicity, and identity; (2) ethnicity as a meaningful part of the therapeutic intervention; (3) therapeutic alliance to facilitate dialogue; (4) aversion to ethnicity exploration; and (5) treading lightly: a fine line between sensitive and overly cautious. Conclusions The study illustrated the complexity of considering ethnicity in therapy due to conflicting views and preferences and the need for further research.