Development of a child, adolescent and family mental health service for Pacific young people in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a dedicated Pacific child, adolescent and family mental health service based in Porirua, Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). Particular reference is made to, firstly, the social and demographic characteristics of the population we serve, and referrals to our service, and secondly, to key Samoan research findings which emphasize the Samoan relational concept of self as a fundamental concept underpinning Samoan notions of mental wellbeing'. We discuss the practical application of this concept in our work with Samoan and other Pacific young people and their families, including implications for engagement, assessment and treatment processes.