Reference guide: How to support young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)

Communication is an essential element of mental health assessment, engagement and treatment, and strategies to improve communication will increase the success of mental healthcare. Mental health clinicians must understand the communication skills and difficulties of the young people they work with and tailor interventions appropriately.

This reference guide—developed by Orygen and Speech Pathology Australia (SPA)—provides strategies and tips that mental health clinicians can use to support young people with speech, language and communication needs to navigate mental health settings.

We have developed a clinical practice point to accompany this resource – SLCN in youth mental health.