A mechanistic approach to developing effective, acceptable, and accessible psychological therapies for young people and emerging adults

Journal article

Three-quarters of all mental health problems start before the age of 24 and yet outcomes from standard psychological therapies such as CBT are poorer for this age group compared to working age and older adults. More effective, acceptable, and accessible psychological interventions are needed during this period of peak onset. They offer the potential to change the longer-term trajectory for young people. A key challenge is how best to develop these treatments. In this paper we set out ten steps to facilitate translational treatment development that focuses on understanding and targeting psychological mechanisms. Each step is informed by theoretical underpinning, as well as consideration of the developmental context, and perspectives of young people, families, and key stakeholders. We introduce a public digital resource (https://aim.mhid.org.uk) which includes a searchable library of measures of psychological mechanisms, intended to encourage sharing of best practice and continued innovation.

Authors: Leigh, E; Waite, F

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Behaviour Research and Therapy
• Volume: 203
• Article number: 105072
• Publication date: 2026-05-12
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-10
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2026.105072
• EISSN: 1873-622X
• ISSN: 0005-7967
• Language: English
• Keywords: young people; adolescent; mental health; psychological intervention; psychological mechanism; treatment development