Feeling Connected and Understood: The Role of Creative Arts in Engaging Young Adults in Their Mental Health Services

Young adults face an elevated risk of developing mental illness yet are less likely to engage in mental health services than other adult age groups. The purpose of this article is to describe and present qualitative data related to the use of the arts in a group intervention designed to increase mental health service engagement in young adults with mental health challenges. Participants described feeling more understood and connected to group members through the creative arts activities and stated the use of the arts was positive, effective, and helpful in processing grief and loss. Research and practice implications are discussed.