Mental health providers' perspectives on youth trauma services: Usual care and evidence-based practices

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are a means to improve the quality of care within children's mental health. Currently, little is known about independent practitioners' use of EBPs in treating children who have experienced traumatic events. Qualitative methodology was used to examine clinician's practice patterns, perceptions and knowledge regarding EBPs in treatment of children with trauma histories. Twenty-one interviews were conducted, representing clinicians within the public school, private practice, and third party provider agency settings. Open coding analysis was used to examine relevant themes surrounding youth trauma care. Clinicians identified often utilizing a variety of cognitive, art, play and humanistic therapies. Of note regarding treatment practices, clinicians discussed limited use of Exposure. There was also expressed interest in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing [EMDR] and tapping. Though use of EBPs (or components of EBPs) is one of many approaches within therapists' "toolbox" of interventions to choose from various concerns were voiced regarding EBPs. Interviews indicate that limited use of specific treatments including EBPs may be due to limited training and understanding. Clinicians displayed apprehension in using any one specific treatment practice for all clients with trauma related issues, and were cautious when discussing the term "evidence-based" specifically. Generally, positive attitudes towards EBPs as aiding in accountability and for informing practices have been stated, along with concern over managed care, use of EBPs as guidelines and applicability to varied diverse cultural populations.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Ashley L. Usita

Usita, A. L. (2012, April). Mental health providers' perspectives on youth trauma services: Usual care and evidence-based practices. University of Hawaii at Hilo