Getting ready to move on: Considering attachment within young peoples’ experiences of preparing to transition out of CAMHS

Literature Review: Transitions between CAMHS and AMHS services have been identified as problematic and in need of improvement, due in part to the different philosophical underpinnings of CAMHS and AMHS services. The review section of this thesis synthesises evidence of the lived experience of adolescent service users’, parents’ and clinicians’ of the CAMHS to AMHS transition. The review reveals that individuals experience a sense of abandonment at this point in the care journey, expressing feelings of insecurity, anxiety and a belief that they are unable to affect change. It highlights the need to explore further individuals experiences of CAMHS to AMHS transitions, giving voice not only to service users and parents but also to clinicians involved in the transition process. It demonstrates the on-going need for further improvements regarding service transitions as recommended by government policy. Research Project: The transition out of CAMHS is a significant event for adolescence reaching the upper age limited of CAMHS services. Through the process of accessing CAMHS support and building relationships within CAMHS it is possible that young people come to feel attached to the service and/or clinicians. The current study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experiences of young people who were preparing to transition out of CAMHS, viewed through the lens of attachment theory. Four overarching themes emerged: ‘navigating the journey to find help’, ‘endings’, ‘transition to adulthood: A deadline on my 18th’ and ‘feeling connected’. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. Critical Appraisal: The final section of the thesis is the author’s reflective account of the research journey, considering the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from the experience.