Young people face many barriers when trying to access the mental health and health care they need. Integrated models of care are designed to improve treatment and access to care for youth with health, mental health or substance use concerns. They have been proven to be effective and cost effective. By providing integrated services in the same location, the clinics provide rapid access to services that address the needs of youth across mental health and health care needs.
One example of youth integrated care services are the Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO). The hubs target the needs of youth aged 12-25 as fully integrated "one-stop shops" for mental health, substance use, primary care, and other community and social services.
Session Objectives
- understand how integrated models of care can address complex comorbidities of mental health and substance use amongst transitional aged youth.
- explore the YWHO example, and understand how youth engagement and integrated care are fundamental in achieving their intended purpose.
- explore case-based examples that illustrate the unique considerations of youth within a hub model of care.
Presenter(s) and Credentials:
Shauna MacEachern
Youth Wellness Hubs Initiative project manager, Provincial System Support Program, CAMHJanis Macdonald
Nurse Practitioner, Ann Johnson Health Station and YouthCan IMPACT
