Young people’s experiences of transition from child and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services: A qualitative study

<i>Background:</i> The transition from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS) is a vulnerable time for young people.<i>Objective:</i> This study aimed to explore young people's experiences of transitioning from CAMHS to AMHS in the United Kingdom and sought their views on improving the process.<i>Method:</i> Eight young people, purposively sampled from a local database, were interviewed post-transition using videoconferencing software. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and the presence of four recommended components of an 'optimal transition' was assessed.<i>Results:</i> Three main themes and nine subthemes were identified. These included young people's feelings concerning 'leaving CAMHS behind', their experience of 'the transition process', and 'adjusting to adult services' post-transition. Participants made six recommendations for improving transitions: providing more information about the process, greater involvement of young people and family members, more joint working between CAMHS and AMHS, better communication from AMHS, training clinicians to ensure AMHS foster age-appropriate and welcoming environments, and the development of an 18 to 25-year-old service. At least three of four optimal transition components were absent for 62.5% (<i>n</i> = 5) of the participants.<i>Conclusions:</i> The young people interviewed had predominantly negative experiences before, during, and after transitioning from CAMHS to AMHS. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to understand how to improve transitions for young people from a range of backgrounds and across different services.