Trends in Mental Health Service Use Among Youth and Emerging Adults in Canada

Mental disorders among youth (age 12 to 17) and emerging adults (18 to 24) in Canada are common, but few receive mental health (MH) services. We examined trends in patterns and predictors of MH service use in this population. Secondary data analyses were conducted on six cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2011 to 2016). From 2011 to 2016, the prevalence of MH service use increased by 4.3%. In 2016, 85.1% of those with poor self-rated MH accessed services, greater than in previous years; however, this subgroup represents only 1% of the total population. Psychiatrists had the largest provider caseload; social workers had the smallest. Sex, ethnicity, self-rated MH status, and mood or anxiety disorder consistently predicted likelihood of MH service use across time. The increased patterns of MH service use and variation in predictors of service use highlight the need for an effective and equitable mental healthcare system