Mental Health Evaluation and Treatment​

Specialized evidence-informed trauma-focused treatment and mental health services are tailored to the needs of the child/youth and supportive family members.

Activities

CYAC activities within the core area of mental health evaluation and treatment may include: 

  • Assess the impact of trauma on the child/youth 
  • Assess the cultural and spiritual beliefs and needs of the child/youth 
  • Provide appropriate therapeutic services for diverse children and youth, either at the CYAC or through referrals
  • Gather information about family functioning, such as the relationship between the child and their caregiver
  • Provide caregivers and siblings with necessary mental health supports
  • Mental health professionals consult and provide input/feedback on treatment plans, as required

For more information on mental health evaluation and treatment, see the national guideline and key components.

CYAC Guidelines

Outputs

The type of activities at your CYAC will determine what outputs you track related to mental health evaluation and treatment. Example outputs are:

  • Access to or onsite dedicated therapist 
  • # of referrals
  • # of individual therapy/mental health treatment sessions provided
  • # of group therapy/mental health treatment sessions provided
  • # of family therapy/mental health treatment sessions provided

Child and youth outcomes

Mental health evaluation and treatment within the CYAC model can contribute to safety, justice, and healing for children and youth. Ways to know how mental health evaluation and treatment contribute to these outcomes are: 

Safety

  • Timely access to mental health services
  • Bridging services provided if wait time is expected
  • Safety plans are in place when necessary and determined with input from child/youth
  • Protective factors are recognized and built upon
  • Caregivers feel informed and able to support the child/youth

Justice

  • Children and youth feel prepared and equipped to participate in investigative and legal processes

Healing

  • Children and youth are included in discussions surrounding mental health and trauma treatment
  • Children and youth experience improved mental health and decreased signs fo trauma
  • Children and youth experience an increased sense of well-being, self-worth, and self-esteem 
  • Children and youth have increased ability to regulated emotions and utilize coping skills
  • Children, youth and caregivers remain engaged in treatment/mental health services

Data Collection Practices

Data collection practices need to reflect your local operational and community context. You may already have tools in place to track these outputs and outcomes, or have tools that can be adapted to reflect these outputs and outcomes. If you need support in enhancing your data collection practices, please connect with us.

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