How does integrated youth-focussed primary care improve youth mental health?

In Aotearoa New Zealand, about 21% of young people experience serious mental health problems, which is higher than the global average of 14%. Māori and Pasifika youth face even higher rates of mental distress, and are also much more likely to attempt suicide than Pākehā youth. Research shows that young people with mental health or substance abuse issues prefer health services designed specifically for them, where both mental health and substance use are addressed together with health care for physical health needs. These youth-focused services are more welcoming and effective than traditional care providers. However, while these providers are well used and can improve equity in health outcomes, the mechanisms that achieve this are not well understood. This research aims to understand how integrated youth services help address these issues. 

The study will focus on three key areas:

1. How these services provide care for mental health and addiction.

2. What mental health care looks like when it’s accessible for young people.

3. How these services help improve health outcomes and fairness in care.The research has been co-designed with the help of an advisory group of six young people and eight youth-focused health providers, who run "youth one-stop shops" in the community.