summary
A recent survey amongst 48 key figures from all 51 Dutch institutions for youth mental health care service confirmed the hypothesis that counselling in the Dutch youth mental health care service hardly ever follows a standard pattern. In their reactions to this survey, professionals seem to be strongly in favour of a methodical form of counselling that is firmly based on scientific principles. Based on this survey, a review of the literature and panel discussions, an evidence-based counseling procedure for the youth mental health care was developed.