The CHOICE Project: Integrating Peer Support and Shared Decision Making in a Youth Mental Health Service

Abstract

Introduction: The CHOICE Project is an innovative shared decision making and peer support service, designed to empower young people to make informed and preference based decisions about their own care. The CHOICE Project is based at ycentral on the Central Coast of New South Wales. ycentral is an integrated service platform incorporating primary, secondary and tertiary mental health care with headspace Gosford and Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service. Young people have a fundamental right to be involved in decision making about their own care. The World Health Organisation states that healthcare providers should “provide adequate information and support to enable each young person to make free and informed choices that are relevant to his or her individual needs” (WHO, 2012). Description: The CHOICE Project is multifaceted and integrates the following practice components: 1. Peer Support Workers 2. Shared Decision Making (SDM)