Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Transitional-aged youth (TAY) are at a vulnerable stage of their development in which mental health and/or addiction (MHA) issues tend to manifest and/or increase in severity. These youth also tend to find themselves caught in the gap between child and adult MHA services, often resulting in sub-optimal access to and transition through MHA services. Navigation services may be one way to close this and other system gaps and improve service utilization and supports for TAY. The objective of this study was to explore the perspectives of TAY, family members, and system providers regarding the support that can be provided by navigation services in addressing the needs and barriers encountered during transitions in MHA care. METHODS: This is a descriptive qualitative study of TAY, family, and provider perspectives on the role of navigation as it pertains to transitions in care for TAY with MHA concerns. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 63 participants with varying levels of familiarity with navigation. Participants were asked about their experiences with navigating transitions through the MHA system and their views on the role of navigation services in supporting transitions in care. Data was analyzed utilizing a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Five themes emerged during data analysis: navigation to traverse difficult pathways, navigation to ensure appropriate and comprehensive care, navigation to sustain continuity of care, navigation to support informed care, and navigation to facilitate TAY and family involvement. DISCUSSION: These findings contribute to an understanding of how navigation services can be meaningful in mitigating the challenges faced by TAY and their families when seeking help for MHA issues. Navigation services have the potential to support MHA system transformation for enhanced transitions in care for TAY with MHA concerns and their families.