Concerns and hopes among adolescents attending adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics

Background Mental disorders affect the well-being of adolescents. This study aims to describe adolescents' concerns and hopes from their own perspective when referred to adolescent psychiatric outpatient treatment. Method The qualitative data consisted of adolescents' (n = 70) short essays gathered using the Depis.Net Internet program and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis. Results The adolescents described their concerns and hopes regarding their relationships, daily actions, identity, and well-being. Conclusions Adolescents share their concerns and find solutions if they find a safe channel to do so. Professionals should find new ways to help adolescents share their life experiences and information technology may be a promising tool.