Exploring the use of single session interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in England: A freedom of information-based study

Sophie Dallison; Grace Leigh; Chloe Payne-Cook; Philip John Archard; Windy Dryden; Maria Elizabeth Loades

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1636709

Exploring the use of single session interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in England: A freedom of information-based study

Sophie Dallison, Grace Leigh, Chloe Payne-Cook, Philip John Archard, Windy Dryden, Maria Elizabeth Loades

Department of Psychology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Objective: We explored the provision of single-session interventions (SSIs) in public child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) provision, using freedom of information (FOI) requests to gather data from National Health Service (NHS) trusts.

Method: FOI requests were sent to all NHS trusts in England with CAMHS in 2024, seeking information on SSI use, delivery, and implementation.

Results: Responses from participating trusts indicated that most trusts did not use SSIs, with varied deployment of SSIs in those that provided them. Some trusts reported plans to expand SSI provision.

Conclusion: Although SSIs are used in some CAMHS, variability in practice and reporting suggests a need for further research into decision-making and strategies for the implementation of SSIs in different localities.

Original language	English
Number of pages	5
Journal	Frontiers in Psychology
Volume	17
Early online date	4 Feb 2026
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1636709
Publication status	Published - 4 Feb 2026

Data Availability Statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed
to the corresponding author/s.

Funding

The author(s) declared that financial support was received for this work and/or its publication. Professor Maria Loades (Advanced Fellowship, 302929) is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) for this research project. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, NHS or the UK Department of Health and Social Care.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Access to Document

10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1636709Licence: CC BY

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1636709/fullLicence: CC BY

Improving access to timely evidence-based help for youth mental health using single session interventions
Loades, M. (PI)
National Institute for Health Research
1/05/23 → 28/02/29
Project: Central government, health and local authorities

Cite this

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abstract = "Objective: We explored the provision of single-session interventions (SSIs) in public child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) provision, using freedom of information (FOI) requests to gather data from National Health Service (NHS) trusts. Method: FOI requests were sent to all NHS trusts in England with CAMHS in 2024, seeking information on SSI use, delivery, and implementation. Results: Responses from participating trusts indicated that most trusts did not use SSIs, with varied deployment of SSIs in those that provided them. Some trusts reported plans to expand SSI provision. Conclusion: Although SSIs are used in some CAMHS, variability in practice and reporting suggests a need for further research into decision-making and strategies for the implementation of SSIs in different localities. ",

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AU - Loades, Maria Elizabeth

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N2 - Objective: We explored the provision of single-session interventions (SSIs) in public child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) provision, using freedom of information (FOI) requests to gather data from National Health Service (NHS) trusts. Method: FOI requests were sent to all NHS trusts in England with CAMHS in 2024, seeking information on SSI use, delivery, and implementation. Results: Responses from participating trusts indicated that most trusts did not use SSIs, with varied deployment of SSIs in those that provided them. Some trusts reported plans to expand SSI provision. Conclusion: Although SSIs are used in some CAMHS, variability in practice and reporting suggests a need for further research into decision-making and strategies for the implementation of SSIs in different localities.

AB - Objective: We explored the provision of single-session interventions (SSIs) in public child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) provision, using freedom of information (FOI) requests to gather data from National Health Service (NHS) trusts. Method: FOI requests were sent to all NHS trusts in England with CAMHS in 2024, seeking information on SSI use, delivery, and implementation. Results: Responses from participating trusts indicated that most trusts did not use SSIs, with varied deployment of SSIs in those that provided them. Some trusts reported plans to expand SSI provision. Conclusion: Although SSIs are used in some CAMHS, variability in practice and reporting suggests a need for further research into decision-making and strategies for the implementation of SSIs in different localities.

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ER -

Exploring the use of single session interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in England: A freedom of information-based study

Abstract

Data Availability Statement

Funding

UN SDGs

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Projects

Improving access to timely evidence-based help for youth mental health using single session interventions

Cite this