Anna Lilja gave a highly engaging presentation on the treatment of an adolescent with severe self-harming behaviour, including the ingestion of non-food substances (pica). Despite various previous forms of treatment, the difficulties remained significantly impairing when Anna Lilja began working with the patient. An in-depth diagnostic assessment was therefore conducted at the outset, followed by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which has yielded very positive outcomes. The presentation attracted considerable interest among conference attendees.

Aðalheiður presented a quality manual on mental health services for children in primary care, which she has been developing in collaboration with others. The manual will soon be made accessible on the website of the Development Centre for Icelandic Primary Health Care. In addition, she introduced standardised assessment interviews that child psychologists at HSN are currently developing. Their aim is to ensure valid and reliable assessment of difficulties in a cost-effective manner, including through a standardised interview format that systematically addresses all core symptoms of childhood mental disorders in a thorough and focused way.

The presentations by Anna Lilja and Aðalheiður clearly reflect the professional and ambitious work being carried out within HSN’s psychosocial services. An emphasis on evidence-based treatment methods, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, structured diagnostic processes, and the development of standardised procedures contributes to improved service quality and increased client safety. Through such work, HSN continues to strengthen its mental health services and promote the well-being and welfare of those it serves.