Abstract

Canadian youth experienced profound impacts to mental health (MH) support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the risk for long-term negative outcomes from unmet MH needs, it is critical to understand access barriers. The purpose of this study was to explore the longitudinal data and personal narratives on MH challenges, needs and access barriers. The Personal Impacts of COVID-19 Survey was administered to parents regarding their youth at baseline (November 2020–July 2021) and follow-up (November 2021–October 2022). Semi-structured interviews of selected youth and parents were conducted. Quantitative data from 507 baseline surveys, 177 follow-up surveys and qualitative data from 35 interviews were included in the study. A modified explanatory sequential/nested mixed methods design was used to analyze the data. Results showed that the use of MH supports among youth increased between timepoints, although 20% had persisting unmet needs for MH supports at follow-up. Youth described waitlist barriers and difficulties finding the “right” therapist, and parents described significant difficulties navigating the MH system that profoundly impacted their families’ ability to access care and mitigate negative MH outcomes. Increased clinician availability, school MH supports, parental education, and tools for navigating the MH system are needed to better support families.

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