The focus of the Early Intervention in Youth Mental Health SIG (Special Interest Group) is optimising effective service delivery and long-term outcomes in youth mental health in Ireland.
Implementation of this SIG was informed by three key issues: firstly, a gathering concern over the continuing lack of adolescent or youth mental health teams in Ireland particularly for the post-16 age group – currently only one intervention service is available which starts at age 18; secondly, recognition of the rapidly developing currency of early intervention as a realistic strategy for treatment and hence service provision; and thirdly, appreciation of the value of readily accessible, youth-friendly early intervention services in optimising engagement and treatment outcomes.