This study evaluated the adaptation of relapse prevention treatment, originally for substance use, to address problematic gaming in children and adolescents. The goal was to understand the feasibility of this treatment in child and adolescent mental health services from the clinicians’ perspective. Six clinicians, four women and two men aged 37–47 with 4–20 years of work experience, were interviewed post-treatment. Key findings included the importance of individual patient and clinician features, successes and barriers in treatment, and ideas for future development. Cognitive maturity and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and Autism, significantly influenced treatment efficacy. Parental involvement and addressing the challenges of online sessions were deemed crucial. Tailoring treatment to individual needs, allowing time for follow-up, setting realistic expectations for change, and parental involvement were highlighted for positive outcomes. The study contributes to the development of knowledge regarding treatments for young people’s behavioral and health problems, such as gaming problems.

Adolescent gambling has reached unprecedented levels in recent years, warranting research attention due to its links with other risk behaviors and mental health issues. This study focuses on the risk and protective factors in parent-adolescent relationships affecting gambling behaviors in Swedish adolescents. We investigated the role of parenting practices, parental gambling issues, and parental attitudes toward gambling. Participants included 553 upper secondary school students who completed an online survey about gambling, parental behaviors and attitudes, and parent–child communication. The analytical sample consisted of 57.8% boys with a mean age of 16.8 years (SD = 0.9). Logistic regression models assessed the relationship between these variables, problem gambling, and gambling initiation. Despite legal restrictions against gambling under 18 in Sweden, 49% of adolescents in our sample reported gambling at some point, 25% reported gambling in the past month, and 10% endorsed problem gambling behavior. Our results indicate that parental acceptance and their own gambling behavior are significantly associated with adolescent gambling initiation, suggesting children mimic parental behaviors. Furthermore, parent–child communication and disclosure were associated with both gambling initiation and problems. Enhancing parental awareness is essential to prevent underage gambling initiation and curb future problematic gambling behaviors, given the influential role of parent–child communication, attitudes, and behaviors on adolescents’ gambling habits.

The study explores the qualifications and competency needs of professionals working at Swedish Maria clinics, specialized in treating youth with co-occurring substance use and mental health problems. A web-based survey was conducted among 87 professionals working at the clinics to assess their qualifications, competence in managing co-occurring problems and perceived needs for further training. Most professionals had high educational qualifications, with backgrounds in social work, nursing and psychology. Although health care and social services professionals had generally similar competencies, there were some notable differences in their professionalism and competency needs.

Healthcare professionals were more likely to report competence in managing severe psychiatric conditions. In contrast, social services professionals more often reported using a broader range of treatment methods. Both groups identified a need for further education in managing severe psychiatric conditions, such as trauma, psychosis and eating disorders. Social services professionals more frequently emphasized the need for family-oriented approaches, while healthcare professionals more often identified a need for more in-depth knowledge related to substance use. While professionals at the clinics generally possess strong qualifications, there are differences in their confidence and expertise relating to managing complex mental health conditions.

Tailored training initiatives that address specific needs based on professionals’ educational backgrounds and organizational affiliations could enhance inter-professional collaboration and improve treatment outcomes for youth with co-occurring substance use and mental health problems.