3.123 Youth Mental Health and/or Addiction Concerns and Service Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Exploration of Caregiver Experiences and Perspectives

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on youth mental health and/or addiction concerns (MHA) and exacerbated pre-existing gaps in access to MHA care. Caregivers can support their youth in seeking and participating in care, but their experiences in doing so in the pandemic and their perspectives of their youth’s care needs are important to understand in order to provide timely and comprehensive care for youth and families.