Ain't no mountain high enough: How to improve access to youth mental health care

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

658 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The majority of psychiatric disorders arise before the age of 25 and therefore pose a risk to development. However, especially among young people, there is a gap between care needs and the care they actually receive. In other words, those who need it most are least likely to receive adequate help. Globally, several youth mental health initiatives have emerged in recent years, with the aim of better matching the supply to the demand of young people. In 2018, the Dutch @ease drop-in centres were established. In these centres, young people from 12 to 25 years old find a listening ear for questions or concerns about their mental or physical health or about finances, sexuality, work, education or their social situation. Research within @ease shows that the burden of psychological problems among young people is high and they experience several barriers when they (want to) seek help. This dissertation shows both the necessity and the feasibility of low-threshold help for young people, both within and outside the GGZ.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • van Amelsvoort, Thérèse, Supervisor
  • Popma, Arne, Supervisor, External person
  • Klaassen, Rianne M. C., Co-Supervisor, External person
Award date9 Apr 2021
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Youth mental health
  • psychiatry
  • psychology
  • accessible care
  • adolescence
  • youth

Cite this