McGill researchers cut youth mental health wait times in Canada

Researchers at McGill University have launched a national initiative to reform youth mental health care in Canada, significantly reducing wait times and improving access to services for young people. The ACCESS Open Minds project, initiated in 2014, aims to bridge the gap in mental health care accessibility, particularly for Indigenous, rural, and underserved communities.

Findings published in JAMA Psychiatry detail the project’s outcomes, marking the first comprehensive evaluation of its impact across Canada. Lead author Srividya Iyer, a professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry, highlighted the initiative’s focus on enhancing existing mental health programs in clinics, schools, and youth centers to ensure they are more accessible and culturally sensitive.

Traditionally, accessing mental health services requires a referral from a professional, a process that can deter youth. ACCESS Open Minds eliminated this barrier, allowing youth to seek help independently. The project established clear service benchmarks, including evaluations within three days and treatment commencement within 30 days, standards that far exceed those typical in public health services.

Over a four-year period, nearly 8,000 individuals aged 11 to 25 were referred to services across 11 study sites. Most were evaluated within three days, a stark contrast to the usual wait times that can extend from 45 days to over a year. Additionally, referrals increased by 10% every six months, demonstrating growing demand for the services.

At the downtown Montreal site serving homeless youth, the program saw a significant rise in young people accessing mental health services, with the majority receiving care within 72 hours, despite increased demand and only two additional staff members. Iyer, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Youth, Mental Health, and Learning Health Systems, noted the project also included adjustments to workflows, staff training, and improved coordination among service providers, utilizing existing resources effectively.

Of the 16 communities involved in the project, five were located in Quebec. In Nunavik, the team collaborated with Indigenous youth and Elders to convert a garage into a welcoming space for teenagers to gather and repair hunting equipment. Meanwhile, in downtown Montreal, young people experiencing homelessness received integrated support through partnerships with shelters, soup kitchens, clinics, and even creative programs developed with Cirque Hors Piste, allowing them to express themselves artistically.

Iyer stated, “We wanted to create a space for young people to express themselves and show that we care for the whole person, not just their symptoms.” The model developed through ACCESS Open Minds has influenced Quebec’s Aire Ouverte network and similar initiatives across Canada. The researchers are now focusing on addressing broader social factors that affect mental health, including climate anxiety, housing affordability, and job security.

The study titled “An Approach to Providing Timely Mental Health Services to Diverse Youth Populations” was authored by Srividya Iyer and Ashok Malla et al. It received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Graham Boeckh Foundation as part of Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research.