Clinical and functional characteristics of a subsample of young people presenting for primary mental healthcare at headspace services across Australia

Abstract

Purpose: Headspace services provide treatment options to young people seeking mental healthcare. To obtain a better understanding of needs and characteristics of this population, and effectively evaluate services, we require novel youth-specific outcome measures. As part of our broad research program to establish such measures, a sample of young people were recruited and assessed. The study describes (i) methodology used to obtain clinical, functioning, and substance use characteristics of young people presenting to headspace services; and (ii) an overview of these characteristics. Methods: Young people presenting to headspace centres were recruited. Multidimensional information was obtained..