Speech, language and communication needs in youth mental health

There is a strong relationship between speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and mental health. SLCN can affect a young person’s engagement in mental health treatment and their outcomes. Evidence suggests early identification and targeted intervention for both SLCN and mental health problems can have a positive effect on a young person’s engagement with mental health treatment, functional outcomes and wellbeing.

This clinical practice resource is for anyone working in youth mental health who:

  • wants to know more about SLCN
  • has identified an individual with SLCN and wants to know what to do
  • wants guidance on how to adapt or interact with young people who have SLCN.

This resource will help you to:

  • become more communication-aware in your practice
  • find further resources and points of referral
  • share up-to-date clinical information at your setting about SLCN.

We have developed a reference guide to accompany this resource – How to support young people with SLCN in mental health settings.