Young People’s Perspective on Discussing Intersectionality and Diversity During Psychological Therapy: A Qualitative Analysis in a Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service

BackgroundResearch suggests that National Health Services have continued to report health inequalities in access to treatment, care and outcomes. Individuals with diverse identities continue to report feeling like their specific needs are not addressed. The current study explored young people's perspective of discussing diversity (faith/religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability) as part of therapy within a National and Specialist CAMH service.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted to explore young people's perspectives of discussing diversity characteristics as part of therapy. 10 young people were interviewed, and a thematic analysis was employed.ResultsResults revealed 4 main themes including (1) perspectives on diversity and identity (2) therapeutic relationship, (3) integrating diversity in therapy and (4) Barriers to exploring diversity in therapy.ConclusionFindings of the present study demonstrates the complexities of approaching diversity in therapy and provide insights into how clinicians can adapt therapy when supporting young people with these concerns.