Overstretched youth mental health providers in Ontario brace for return to school

As Ontario's youth mental health providers prepare for the return to school, they face an increased demand for their services. Dr. Katherine Matheson, a psychiatrist at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, notes that children are facing more demands than ever before, with limited resources to support them. The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's 1Call1Click service has seen a 69% increase in demand over four years, and this trend is expected to continue in the upcoming school year.

The number of children under six seeking help has even doubled, jumping from 502 in 2024 to over 1,000 in the previous year. Matheson explains that summer can mask various issues for youth, and parents may not be aware of the signs of mental health struggles. She emphasizes that early intervention can help children avoid more severe mental health issues down the line.

However, the mental health system in Ontario has not kept up with the rising demand, and funding has not increased accordingly. Dr. Ripudaman Minhas, a developmental pediatrician, observes that demand for his services typically rises about a month after school begins, as issues become more evident as students settle into their routines.

Minhas stresses that addressing mental health issues early is crucial, and suggests that families should be proactive in discussing wellbeing at home. Youth mental health issues can also manifest as absenteeism, with symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and avoidance of school. Rebecca Shields, the president of Kids Help Phone, attributes the increased demand to a variety of factors, including affordability crises, climate anxiety, and concerns about artificial intelligence replacing jobs.

Additionally, the 24-7 mental health support line has experienced a 10% increase in calls and texts overnight, as youth face uncertainty and isolation when returning to school. Shields urges families to approach absenteeism with a broader perspective, rather than assuming their child is being lazy, and emphasizes the importance of connecting young people with trusted professionals outside the family.