Promoting Better Services for Children

“This publication marks a highly significant milestone, as nearly nine years have passed since the first child psychologists began working within Icelandic primary healthcare services. While primary healthcare professionals have generally worked according to similar procedures, the manual provides a clearer framework for practice. Its purpose is to help ensure that children and adolescents up to the age of 18 receive appropriate services, that their difficulties are assessed correctly, and that they subsequently receive the most suitable and effective treatment.”

The manual builds on an earlier quality manual for psychological services for adults, as well as legislation and regulations relating to mental health services for children. It incorporates internationally recognized evidence-based practices, including clinical guidelines published by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), alongside research findings and examples of best practice from child mental health services abroad. The manual also draws on the extensive experience gained within Icelandic primary healthcare services.

Essential Information Available in One Place

Although the manual is written from the perspective of psychological services within primary healthcare, it may also be useful for other professionals involved in child and adolescent mental health services. Among other topics, it covers competence and quality standards, the service environment, referral processes, assessment procedures, diagnoses, medical record documentation, early intervention, and treatment. It also includes an overview of the key legislation and regulations relevant to this field.

“A major strength of the manual is that it brings all of this information together in one place. Previously, professionals often had to consult numerous different guidelines and documents. A dedicated chapter addresses quality indicators that can be used to monitor the status and effectiveness of services. Ideally, data should be collected on the number of children receiving services, the number waiting for services, waiting times, and treatment outcomes.”

Quality indicators primarily consist of quantitative data that should be systematically collected over time and compared across institutions. The manual also provides guidance on competencies and quality standards, including ethical and social values that may influence assessment and treatment.

A Valuable Resource for Psychologists Beginning Their Careers

“The manual can be particularly helpful for psychologists taking their first steps in this field. It may also benefit parents who wish to learn more about how mental health services are organized, other professionals working in the sector, and those involved in shaping healthcare policy.”

The project was carried out in collaboration between the Development Centre for Icelandic Primary Healthcare and HSN. Guðríður Haraldsdóttir, Clinical Psychologist at the Children’s Mental Health Centre, initiated the project together with Liv Anna Gunnell, Head of Psychological Services at the Development Centre for Icelandic Primary Healthcare. Aðalheiður Jónsdóttir later assumed responsibility for the project from Guðríður. Numerous psychologists contributed to the development and review of the manual, and HSN’s Data Protection Officer reviewed one of its chapters. The manual will be updated as services evolve and as quality standards and clinical guidelines are revised.

The manual is publicly accessible on the website of the Development Centre for Icelandic Primary Healthcare (see Quality Manual: Mental Health Services in Primary Healthcare, First Level Services for Children and Adolescents).

Quality Manual in Primary Healthcare: First Level Services for Children and Adolescents (2026) (Icelandic).