Abstract

Mental disorders are responsible for a greater burden of illness in young people than any other health problem. The suffering, distress and losses associated with mental disorders, substance use disorders and developmental disorders is well understood by all who deliver clinical care to adolescents and young adults. For some youth, accessing care is particularly challenging. Those who belong to minority groups and young people living with physical disabilities and severe disturbances in behaviour and identity often face barriers to care. In Australia and New Zealand, we have led the world in youth mental health with service innovation and clinical care delivery. Our interventions are evidence based and many are more effective than those routinely delivered in other areas of medicine. Shining the light on issues that face youth who are marginalised and disadvantaged is essential in order to ensure they receive the care they need and deserve. In organising this conference, we sought to bring together highly respected clinicians and leading academics who are at the coal face delivering clinical care. There is so much we can learn from each other. Thank you for your interest in attending - we know the clinical care we deliver to young people will be enriched throughout this meeting. A/Prof James Scott and Dr Sharon Foley Convenors