Table 2 Youth Recommendations for Positive Service Experiences Across the Transition: Pre-, Peri- and Post-Transition Factors

Pre-Transition (CAMHS)

• CAMHS clinician qualities (ex. tenacity, flexibility, instilling hope, providing support and reassurance, non-judgmental, good listener)

• Preparation (ex. early notification of transition to AMHS)

• Youth involvement in transition planning

Peri-Transition (CAMHS-AMHS)

• Individualized care plans geared towards youth goals of functioning

• Increased autonomy in decision-making

• Community supports and primary care physicians who provide “scaffolding” across the transition from CAMHS to AMHS

• Gradual and flexible timing of transition

• Care continuity (ex. “Joint working” or “Parallel Care” between CAMHS and AMHS)

 • Relational care continuity to reduce fear of losing relationships with pre-transition staff and to promote comfort with AMHS

 • System-level continuity to reduce gaps

Post-Transition (AMHS)

• Staff support and practical structure

• Autonomy in treatment decisions

• Choice about parental involvement

• Physical care environments geared toward young adults

• Informational continuity (ie. sharing of clinical information between CAMHS and AMHS)