Fact sheets

Among young people, mental health difficulties represent the largest burden of disease. The peak period for onset of mental ill-health occurs in late adolescence and early adulthood, with
50% of mental disorders emerging by 14 years of age and 75% by 24 years of age. Despite the significant impact on young people, access to mental health services designed for them is extremely poor. This fact sheet explores five key components of a youth mental health
service model. It also explains how restructuring existing service systems to incorporate these components can enhance service access for young people and ensure that they can get
the right care at the right time, in the right place.