A new study from ARCH Lab researchers and colleagues, “Use of and Barriers to Mental Health Services for Youth with Physical‑Mental Multimorbidity: A Nationally Representative Study,” sheds light on how young people in Canada access mental health care—and the challenges they face.
The study used data from the Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, focusing on over 5,000 youth aged 5–17 with mental health conditions, with or without co-occurring physical health conditions (called multimorbidity). Overall, about two-thirds of youth needed or used services for mental health, behaviour, or learning issues. Youth with both physical and mental health conditions were more likely to seek help and to see a psychiatrist than those with mental health conditions alone.
Despite this high level of need, many families still face obstacles. Nearly 40% of youth who needed care reported barriers to receiving it. The most common issue was long wait times, followed by cost and services not being available in their area. Youth with multimorbidity were especially likely to report problems with service availability.
The findings highlight important gaps in Canada’s mental health system. The authors emphasize the need for more coordinated, accessible care that brings physical and mental health services together. Reducing wait times and improving availability could make a meaningful difference for youth and families navigating complex care needs.
