%0 Clinical Trial
%T Mural art therapy for young offenders hospitalised with a mental illness.
%A George O
%A Kasinathan J
%J Australas Psychiatry
%V 23
%N 1
%D Feb 2015
%M 25519999
%F 1.837
%R 10.1177/1039856214563852
%X OBJECTIVE: To describe a mural art therapy project completed within an adolescent unit of a secure forensic psychiatric hospital.
METHODS: The planning, implementation and consecutive stages of the mural art therapy project are described. Pertinent themes are identified.
RESULTS: A cohort of adolescent forensic inpatients was engaged in a group therapeutic process involving collaboration, design and the completion of an art mural. The participants generally approved of the project and identified themes of gaining a sense of achievement, empowerment, teamwork, involvement and ownership. The art mural transformed and improved the visual and spatial environment of the Adolescent unit courtyard.
CONCLUSIONS: Mural art therapy was acceptable to young offenders hospitalised with mental illness, which has relevance for adolescent psychiatric units and youth detention centres.