ABSTRACT
Young adolescents are often reluctant to seek help; when they do, they may only be willing to be involved briefly. Unlike older adolescents, only a very small proportion of young adolescents needs medication or intensive treatment as inpatients. Many young adolescents are able to talk about problems to their parents, to a member of the extended family, or to a family friend. Others talk to a teacher or a teaching assistant or the parents of a school friend. Many young people refuse help or advice initially but later, as things are explained and they calm down, will agree if the parents and general practitioner are suggesting a course of action such as a joint meeting or a referral. Young people are very reluctant to visit their doctor, but some practice nurses have links with schools and local facilities for young people. There are a number of organizations in the voluntary sector that have centres for young people.
