The feasibility of single-session therapy as a point of entry to primary care youth mental health services

Abstract Background: The past two decades have seen a rise in youth mental health difficulties, with services struggling to balance demand with capacity. Access to timely care remains a central goal of most national mental health policies. This study examines the feasibility of a model of clinician-delivered single-session therapy (SST) as an entry point to care in primary care youth mental health services. Methods: Conducted at one site, feasibility was assessed across recruitment capacity, service user responses, and intervention acceptability. Validated scales of anxiety and depression evaluated service user characteristics and clinical need, while change across the intervention was measured using the clinical outcomes routine evaluation. Recruitment capacity and user profiles were summarised descriptively. Changes in distress were analysed using linear mixed-effects models and piecewise regression assessed changes in waiting times. Results: Most service users presented with clinical need. Continued throughput and low non-attendance rates indicated feasible recruitment. Waiting times decreased significantly, from 26 weeks during the pilot phase to 4.6 weeks post-implementation ( p < 0.001, R 2 = 0.60). Distress scores differed by session ( p < 0.001), with a marked reduction from session 1 to session 2 in the clinical group (Δ = −6.08, p < 0.001). Satisfaction levels remained consistently high pre and post implementation of SST. Conclusions: This feasibility study suggests that SST can be implemented as an acceptable model in primary care youth mental health. Reductions in distress and shorter waiting times were observed following implementation, indicating potential for improved access and early intervention. Further research is required to establish effectiveness, impact and sustainability across settings.