Mental Health Difficulties

Cognitive Function Informed Care (CFIC) is a new, add-on type of care for mental health outpatients. To receive this type of care, a child/youth does something called a neuropsychological assessment, which are tests given by a special type of psychologist, called a neuropsychologist. These tests give the neuropsychologist information about how that child/youth's brain works, in a way that is unique to them. This information is called cognitive function, and it is shared with the patient and their family. This information is also shared with their mental health provider, who will work with the neuropsychologist to make sure that their treatment makes sense for their brain. One main purpose of this research is to see if it is better to receive information about cognitive function to help make treatment decisions (CFIC), or better to receive standard care without this information. To do this, participants will be randomly assigned to either receive CFIC or proceed with standard care. Between groups, we will be comparing any improvement(s) in overall function and symptoms. The other main purpose of this research is to evaluate how CFIC influences the outpatient mental health service (i.e., implementation). We will be monitoring how the service is delivered, documenting changes as needed, asking patients about their experience(s), surveying staff members and evaluating cost.

Parents play an important role in supporting their children's mental health but often feel unsure how to respond to emotional or mental health difficulties. To address this need, the PsyGes project developed the Youngsters Upbringing Mental Health Information and Counselling App (YOUCA), a smartphone app that provides parents with information, practical guidance, daily tips, communication strategies, a mental health glossary, and a directory of support services. This study aims to evaluate the usability and potential effectiveness of YOUCA in improving parenting skills and parental self-efficacy (confidence in supporting a child). In this mixed-methods randomized waitlist-controlled pilot study, approximately 25 parents of children with mental health difficulties will participate. Participants will use the app over a four-week period and complete questionnaires before and after use. App usability and satisfaction will also be assessed. Interviews with parents and a focus group with psychosocial experts will provide additional feedback to support further app development and future larger-scale evaluation.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of participation in five different STIME (Strengthened Cross-Sectoral Initiative for Children and Young People's Mental Health) interventions: 'Signs of Disordered Eating', 'Signs of Internalizing', 'Signs of Self-Harm', 'Take the Control Back', and 'The Parent Pilots'. The hypothesis is that participation in one of these interventions will be more effective than Management As Usual (MAU). Each intervention consists of three core components: early identification and screening, therapy based on evidence-informed manuals, and support within the child's learning environment.