This paper presents examples of parent’s reports of this from a qualitative research study on parent’s experience of their adolescent’s mental health treatment. Themes emerging from parent interviews include the common tension between parents (including step parents and sometimes other relatives if a father is absent) about the style of parenting appropriate to addressing the young person’s concerning behaviours. Each of the parent’s report varying degrees of trauma in the face of their adolescent’s disturbing symptoms; and in their experiences of seeking appropriate help.
