![]() ![]() While these findings set the stage for transitioning to virtual services with optimism, the urgent nature of COVID-19 pandemic did not provide time to conduct reviews of evidence-based virtual service delivery models and paced implementation according to the implementation science literature. ![]() Some efficacy has been found, with benefits such as easier accessibility, greater flexibility, lower cost, and reduced stigma. A wide variety of virtual modalities of service delivery have been developed and tested over the past decades. However, none of those initiatives foresaw the rapid and systemic shift toward virtual services that occurred with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.ĭelivering MHSU services virtually is not a new idea. System transformation initiatives have been underway to address many of these barriers by creating integrated, youth-friendly service delivery models. Research conducted prior to COVID-19 has highlighted many service access barriers, such as long waitlists, uncoordinated services, age-based transition challenges, and stigma. Īlthough the rates of MHSU service use have been increasing in recent years, many youth in need do not access services. Behaviors associated with the maintenance of positive mental and physical health, such as physical activity and sleep, have also been disrupted for many youth. Indeed, youth are experiencing mental health challenges during the pandemic, including heighted symptoms of internalizing mental health challenges, post-traumatic stress disorder, and general stress and distress. For example, educational progress and experiences, employment, and social interaction have been disrupted, which may constitute risk factors for emerging or worsening MHSU challenges. ![]() However, public health pandemic guidelines have interrupted many milestones for youth. This is a key developmental period, marked by developmental milestones such as progress and transitions in education, labor force integration, occupational development, social relationships, and autonomy. In Canada, about one in five youth had MHSU disorders prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals who were previously connected with in-person care have had to rapidly shift in the way they access services, while those who are newly accessing care have had to navigate a new virtual service system to access services for the first time.Īdolescence and emerging adulthood is a key developmental period for the emergence of MHSU challenges. Services moved rapidly into virtual formats, with little opportunity for thorough planning, to comply with social distancing requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way mental health and substance use (MHSU) services are delivered around the world. Future research, engaging youth in the research process, is needed to evaluate the efficacy of virtual services to plan for the sustainability of some virtual service gains beyond the pandemic period. Diverse, accessible, technologically stable virtual services are required to meet the needs of different youth, possibly with in-person options for some youth. DiscussionĪs youth mental health and substance use services have rapidly gone virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we hear the perspectives of youth to promote service utilization among those in need. Advantages and disadvantages of virtual services are discussed, including accessibility benefits and technological barriers. Youth are interested in accessing a wide variety of virtual services and other supportive wellness services. However, many have not received virtual services. The majority of youth with mental health or substance use challenges would be willing to consider individual virtual services, but fewer would consider group virtual services. The survey included quantitative and open-ended questions on virtual care, as well as a mental health and substance use screener. Methodįour hundred nine youth completed a survey including questions about their attitudes toward and experience of virtual services. This study examined the attitudes toward and experiences of virtual mental health and substance use services among youth drawn from clinical and non-clinical samples. It is important to understand youth attitudes toward and experience of virtual services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, youth mental health and substance use services rapidly moved to virtual modalities to meet social distancing requirements. ![]()
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