Participation Preferences in Cognitive Treatments Among Youth With Mental Illness: Findings From the Your Mind, Your Choice Survey

Aim: To explore the cognitive treatment preferences of young people with mental illness. Methods: Two-hundred and fourteen people, aged 12-25 years, were surveyed about their treatment priorities. Participants were specifically asked how they might like to receive cognitive treatments and identify factors that might influence their decisions to participate. Results: Over half of the participants indicated that they would like to receive treatment face-to-face, in a one-on-one setting, with a treatment focus on both deficits and strengths, or without involvement from friends or family when asked about each preference individually. However, only 11% of people wanted all four of these preferences combined. Treatment cost, effectiveness, therapeutic relationships, and accessibility were the most frequently identified factors that could influence perceived decisions to participate. Conclusions: The cognitive treatment preferences of young people are variable. Supports focusing on both cognitive strengths and deficits were a novel finding and warrants further attention within existing treatment frameworks.