Abstract
Practitioners working in the mental health field encounter many challenges when providing services to their clients. These challenges typically involve issues that clients deal with regularly or issues that mental health practitioners experience when working with this population. This study explores the experiences of mental health practitioners and challenges encountered when working with youth. A qualitative study was conducted using ethnographic interviews. Eleven participants were interviewed for this study, seven females and four males, who had a college degree and at least five years of experience working in the mental health field. Common challenges practitioners encountered working with youth are addressed. These challenges include trust, motivation, family involvement, resources, and culture. Practitioners also discuss practical ways to provide effective treatment. The implications for social work practice and policy relative to this study are included.