Voices From the Frontline: A Phenomenological Study of Nurses’ Roles in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Abstract

The rising prevalence of mental health disorders among children and adolescents presents a significant and ongoing challenge for healthcare and education systems. Child and adolescent mental health nurses are central to the early identification, ongoing monitoring, and provision of emotional support to young people and their families. Despite their essential contribution, research into their professional experience remains limited, particularly in regions where specialist services and qualified nursing professionals are scarce. This descriptive phenomenological study explored the role of nurses in addressing the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and their families in Castile and León (Spain), with the aim of identifying the principal challenges, needs, and strategies for delivering high-quality care. Seventeen nurses currently employed in these resource-constrained services participated in the study. Data were analyzed using Moustakas’s phenomenological method. Six themes were identified, highlighting the complexity and high level of specialization required in child and adolescent mental health nursing. Findings emphasize the need to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, expand workforce capacity and service infrastructure, and promote greater family involvement in therapeutic processes. This study deepens understanding of the experiences of Castilian-Leonese nurses in this field and offers valuable insights to guide future research and innovation in mental healthcare provision