Child Art Psychotherapy in CAMHS in Ireland - A Parent Satisfaction Study

Abstract

Objectives We aimed to evaluate parent satisfaction with the Vasarhelyi method of Child Art Psychotherapy offered at two Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams by postal survey using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, and by performing a qualitative interview. Methods Parents of 29 children who attended Child Art Psychotherapy over the previous 4 years were invited to participate— they were sent the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire and invited to attend for an interview about Child Art Psychotherapy. The postal survey was followed up by a telephone call to complete missing surveys. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire has a 4- point Likert scale with a minimum score of 8 and maximum score (highest satisfaction) of 32. Results Fourteen Client Satisfaction questionnaires were returned indicating a response rate of 48%. The mean age of the children who attended CAP was 10.84 years. The mean CSQ-8 score was 25.6 (95% CI 22.0–29.3) with a range of 8 to 32. Eighty-five percent of parents indicated that they were satisfied on all questions regarding the service of CAP their child received. One of 29 parents attended for interview and 4 themes were identified in the interview: (1) the importance of the child’s opinion, (2) behavioural change occurred during and after CAP, (3) the parent would recommend CAP to others, and (4) parental expectations of therapy and level of engagement.