Attachment, regulation, and competency framework in mental health services with youth experiencing homelessness: A qualitative study of clinician views

Aims: Aims were to 1) explore mental health clinicians' experiences receiving training in the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) framework, and 2) examine clinicians' views of their own use of ARC when providing mental health services for youth experiencing homelessness (YEH). Method: Participants included 10 clinicians with experience providing mental health services to YEH. Researchers collected data using a semi-structured interview guide and coded data following thematic analysis methods. Results: Clinicians described their ARC training and subsequent readiness to deliver ARC-informed services and provided feedback on how training could be improved. When reflecting on their use of ARC, they described the framework as inclusive, shared challenges and solutions to applying ARC in their work, and detailed how they promote attachment, regulation, and competency with YEH using this model. Conclusion: Clinicians emphasized the need for flexibility and creativity when using ARC-informed interventions in mental health care for YEH.