Australian teenagers are experiencing significant delays in accessing vital mental health support, with average wait times reaching approximately 99 days, according to new research from The University of New South Wales, Black Dog Institute, and Flinders University. These prolonged waits are leading to increased psychological distress and negative coping strategies, exacerbating the challenges faced by young Australians during this crucial time.
Milly Rose Bannister, founder of youth mental health charity ALLKND, expressed concern about this situation, noting that the courage required for a young person to seek help is often met with frustration upon learning of extensive wait times. She emphasised that these delays can be detrimental, particularly for teens who already feel neglected or overwhelmed.
The study surveyed 375 Australians aged 13 to 17, revealing significant variations in wait times based on the type of provider. Those seeking care from psychiatrists faced the longest delays, averaging 127.5 days, while psychologists had a 100.1-day wait, and pediatricians and Headspace services had waits of 121.9 days and 107.6 days, respectively. Contributing factors to these delays include a shortage of mental health professionals and an increasing demand for support.
Many survey participants reported a deterioration in their mental health during the waiting period, with over two-thirds indicating worsening feelings of sadness. A concerning 92% engaged in maladaptive coping mechanisms such as isolating themselves or excessive social media usage, and 75% reported engaging in risky behaviours like self-harm and substance use.
Long wait times can also discourage attendance at follow-up appointments. Over half of those who expressed reluctance to attend their first treatment session cited long wait times as a primary reason. Notably, while some participants showed initiative in seeking information about mental health online, the overall findings highlight a desperate need for reform in how youth mental health services are structured and delivered.
According to Professor Bridianne O’Dea, one of the researchers, urgent systemic changes are required to meet the escalating demands for youth mental health services. She advocates for national benchmarks to reduce wait times and improve service delivery.
Bannister stressed the importance of addressing the youth mental health crisis, arguing that the recently proposed federal budget, which includes substantial funds for healthcare, still does not adequately address the urgent needs of the mental health sector. She called for targeted investment in accessible, community-based mental health services, indicating that this crisis cannot be resolved through insufficient, piecemeal efforts.
As the situation stands, the mental health landscape for young Australians requires immediate and comprehensive reform to ensure that they receive the timely support they desperately need. The message is clear: mental health services must evolve to meet the needs of youth on their terms, without unnecessary barriers. For anyone needing support, services such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Kids Helpline remain available.