Title 3 - Ways for MCH systems to improve response to youth mental health

An estimated 7.6 million young adults in America (22%) meet the criteria for a mental health disorder each year and one-third received mental health services within the past year (NIH, 2019). As a young adult and health professional that serves young people in PR, these statistics are not completely accurate. Less than half with mental illnesses receive treatment and when they do, have often stated feeling insecure and judged by the systems of care. Negative attitudes and discriminatory behavior by health professionals constitute a major obstacle in psychiatric care and point out as a key issue in working with mental illness. (International Journal of Mental Health System, 2019). Moreover, many times I have witnessed hospital professionals failing to conduct mental health screenings with patients when they arrive at the hospital and during their admission. When asked why, many of them claim it is due to being short-staffed and overwhelmed with the number of patient intake, making it nearly impossible to provide the type of 1:1 care needed. The system has to adjust to the needs of the young adult generation so that they can receive care without judgment from health professionals who are properly trained to provide effective mental healthcare. The need for psychoeducation for different healthcare professionals is key. The objective of this workshop is to educate on how to cover those needs and how systems, including state/jurisdictional MCH, can drive improvements in youth mental health. Strategies will be presented from the standpoint of a healthcare professional, a former youth advisor for the PR MCH Program, and as a young adult who has first-hand experience seeking treatment and care within a flawed mental health system.