Research summary
Mental illness is a leading cause of disability and death among young people. Half of all adults with mental health disorders start having symptoms by age 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated for years.
Dr. Srividya Iyer, Canada Research Chair in Youth, Mental Health and Learning Health Systems, is designing, implementing and evaluating accessible, effective, youth-friendly mental health services. She and her research team aim to enhance youths’ engagement in school and work as well as their sense of purpose and identity. The team is also testing innovations to address equity gaps in access to mental health services for youth. Iyer and her team are also engaging youth, family, community, health and government partners to create health systems that better respond to patients’ needs.