Navigating inequities in the delivery of youth mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic: perspectives of youth, families, and service providers

Abstract

Objectives There have been concerns about the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian youth (aged 16–24) as they have the highest rates of mental health concerns. The objectives of the present study were to explore the experiences of youth with mental health and/or addiction concerns and their families during the pandemic, and to examine how adequate and equitable mental health services have been for youth and families from the perspectives of youth, parents, and service providers. Methods Using a descriptive qualitative research design and a university–community partnership, we conducted individual interviews with youth, parents, and service providers. The study involved a total of 25 participants (n=15 service users, n=10 service providers). Among the service users, 11 participants were parents and four were youth. We used thematic analysis to analyze interview data. Results The thematic analysis identified three themes in the data: (1) youth mental health concerns have increased, whereas supports have decreased, (2) families end up being the treatment team with increased burden, little support, and lack of recognition, and (3) inadequate and inequitable mental health services for youth and families are amplified during the pandemic. Conclusion At a time when mental health needs were higher, the mental health care system offered less support to youth and their families. For a more equitable response to the pandemic, we need an accessible and integrated mental health care system that shows a commitment to addressing social determinants and reducing health disparities and inequities in access to mental health services.

Self-harm among youth during the first 28 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study

“… 1 , 53 , 56 Pandemic-related disruptions —such as limited access to primary care and community mental health services, staff absenteeism and redeployment of allied health professionals — are other possible contributors. 57 It is unclear if this trend will persist beyond 2022, but findings from the first 2 and a half years of the pandemic reflect the complexities and long-term pandemic-related stress among children and adolescents.…”

A Feasibility Study of the SAFE Pilot Program: A University–School Board Partnership in Ontario

“…Firstly, providing support to parents and caregivers allowed these service users to address not only their parenting, but their own mental health needs and created space for them to be better parents. Secondly, working with the parents enabled the creation of new family dynamics that decreased tension and improved communication, a significant finding in the face of the profound stress experienced by families at the time of this pilot ( Kourgiantakis et al, 2022 ). Thirdly, SAFE was service user directed and flexible.…”

How equitable has the COVID-19 response been in Canada?

“…The paper by Kourgiantakis and colleagues (Kourgiantakis et al, 2022) also focused on youth, in this case the unique challenges the pandemic created for those experiencing mental ill-health or substance use. Their data show that mental health services were neither adequate nor equitable for these youth, even though their mental health and use concerns were magnified.…”

“…La communication de Kourgiantakis et collègues (Kourgiantakis et al, 2022) porte aussi sur les jeunes, dans ce cas-ci sur les difficultés singulières que la pandémie a causées pour les jeunes aux prises avec des problèmes de santé mentale ou d'usage de substances. Les données des chercheurs montrent que les services de santé mentale n'ont été ni adéquats, ni équitables pour ces jeunes, malgré le grossissement de leurs soucis de santé mentale et d'usage de substances.…”