
The Need for Improved Access to Care Among Youth
A February, 2022 article in World Psychiatry indicates that young people have been experiencing a disproportionately greater level of mental health outcomes since the beginning of the COVID-19 global pandemic. (1) This includes 74% reporting their mental health has gotten worse during this time. (2, 3)
Mental health concerns are a largely ignored problem and results in the potential for serious health problems later in life. (4)
The World Psychiatry article indicates that “the challenge of evolving a sense of self, of individuating from one’s family of origin and establishing a life and family of one’s own is daunting. And stress, frustration, risk and loss are ambient within the ecosystem of growth…” (1) Further, the article stresses that there is a need for “…normalizing the level of challenge and threat that we all face during the struggle for maturity. It creates the space for a ‘positive psychology’ perspective that is a strength-based state to distress and struggle during the transition to adulthood.” (1)
The authors of the article call for a range of recommendations, including building integrated systems of care, greater community awareness, improved prevention, youth participation, choice regarding options for access for treatment and care, family engagement and support and scientific evidence as a key guide (1). Examples of best practices around the globe are highlighted, including those in Australia, Canada and the UK.
One of the ongoing challenges parents experience is the lack of knowledge and stigma among health care providers themselves. This can include delaying care, not viewing mental health problems in the same manner as other physical problems and a lack of appropriate resources.
While these problems can create significant problems for these children, their families, educators and non-mental health care providers, improving access to the right resources and help can yield tremendous benefits.
Through many years of experience as a clinician and health plan executive, I have a great deal of knowledge about the appropriate types of care for these young people and aim to provide support and guidance to their parents.
Please feel free to contact me at 860.916.5816 or at tim@timothyblevins.com for a free consultation.
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- Designing and scaling up integrated youth mental health care
Patrick D. McGorry,Cristina Mei,Andrew Chanen,Craig Hodges,Mario Alvarez-Jimenez,Eóin Killackey
First published: 11 January 2022, World Psychiatry
https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20938 - Czeisler MÉ, Lane RI, Petrosky E et al. Mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic – United States, June 24-30, 2020. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep2020; 69: 1049- 57.
- Coping with COVID: the mental health impact on young people accessing headspace services. Melbourne: headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, 2020.
- Richmond-Rakerd LS, D’Souza S, Milne BJ et al. Longitudinal associations of mental disorders with physical diseases and mortality among 2.3 million New Zealand citizens. JAMA Netw Open2021; 4:e2033448.
- Designing and scaling up integrated youth mental health care