Consensus derived client outcomes and clinician actions for youth online chat mental health services: a Delphi study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Online chat services have increased mental health care access for young people (12-25 years), yet their effectiveness remains unclear. This is partly due to a lack of consensus about primary client outcomes and clinician actions facilitating positive service outcomes. This study sought to identify (a) outcomes most important for young people accessing mental health support via online chat, and (b) clinician actions most relevant to achieving these outcomes.

Method

A comprehensive list of potential outcomes and actions was developed through literature review and consultation with youth online chat service providers. A three-round Delphi study was conducted with three panels of youth, researchers, and clinicians (n = 100; 84% retention rate), primarily from

SUBMITTER: Curll S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12748242 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature