Caregiver and provider perspectives on the needs of families waiting for trauma therapy.

Abstract

Children's exposure to trauma is a ubiquitous stressor associated with severe adjustment problems. Although mental health services can effectively reduce this distress, families often spend months waiting for treatment. Beyond timely access to care, the needs and concerns of families on the waitlist for trauma-focused treatment are unknown. In the present study, we addressed this gap by conducting interviews with key participant groups: adult caregivers with a child on the waitlist for trauma-focused services (n = 16) and providers of trauma-focused treatment (n = 17). Participants completed semistructured interviews on the needs and concerns of families on the waitlist for trauma-focused mental health services for their child. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Consolidated thematic coding yielded four themes related to waitlist concerns: waitlist duration, worsening symptoms, family not feeling supported, and safety. Six additional themes emerged related to waitlist needs: parenting services, psychoeducation on trauma, check-ins on well-being and status, case management, financial resources, and referrals to other services. The results suggest that both caregivers and providers are largely aligned in their perspectives of the needs and concerns of families on the waitlist for trauma-focused treatment. Several of the identified needs could be addressed by low-intensity interventions delivered by paraprofessionals. The accessibility and appropriateness of providing support to families on the waitlist for treatment should be explored.