Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

The mental well-being of young adults in Canada is an urgent public health issue, intersecting with broader economic and societal goals, including healthcare system efficiency and the well-being of healthcare providers. With approximately 2 million Canadians facing mental health-related disabilities, the majority of which emerge during early adolescence and young adulthood, there is a pressing need for transformative research in this area. This study employs an interdisciplinary methodology, blending numerical data from a national survey with insights gathered from young adults themselves. This dual approach facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers to accessing mental healthcare services. The research aims to not only identify these obstacles but also co-design practical, evidence-informed interventions in partnership with government, community agencies and patient research partners. Aligned with the national focus on health system transformation, the study seeks to innovate how mental healthcare services are organized, financed, and delivered to achieve equitable access and improved patient experience, thereby contributing to the broader aims of enhancing population health and reducing healthcare costs. The study adopts an anti-discriminatory and inclusive framework, aiming for culturally safe healthcare delivery systems. By addressing these multiple facets of mental healthcare, the project aspires to develop universally-designed access models that can be incorporated into future healthcare policies, such as the Accessible Canada Act. In doing so, it offers a multi-sectoral lens for improving mental healthcare in Canada, while concurrently addressing the disease burden on society. This comprehensive framework aligns with the goals of achieving the Quadruple Aim and health equity, therefore resonating with national research priorities.