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Mental health difficulties are easily the key health issue faced by adolescents and young adults in the developed world today. Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence and prevalence of the mental disorders, as well as their contribution to the overall burden of disease, is highest in those in the 15 to 24 year age group, and yet young people in this age range are the least likely to access services for mental health problems. This issue is particularly problematic given that untreated, or poorly treated, mental disorders are associated with ongoing disability, including impaired social functioning, poor educational achievement, unemployment, substance abuse, and violence that all too often leads to a cycle of dysfunction and disadvantage that is difficult to break. Young people tend to be reluctant to discuss emotional concerns with a general practitioner if indeed they have a regular doctor, and the traditional mental health services, which cater to the needs of children or older adults, are highly alienating to young people. A new approach to mental health services for young people is clearly needed-one that considers young people's unique developmental issues, their help-seeking needs and behaviors, and the complex and evolving patterns of symptoms and morbidity common in this age group. This article describes Australian innovation in the provision of youth mental health services, which has been informed by an evidence-based approach and dedicated advocacy, that seeks to contribute to this much needed reform process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors comment on the article "The National Mental Health Commission Report: Evidence based or ideologically driven?" by S. Allison and others in a 2015 issue. Topics discussed include review of mental health programmes and services by National Mental Health Commission; funding of headspace organization and youth early psychosis programme (YEPP) by Commonwealth Government; and a telehealth model that provides consultant psychiatrist input to sites.

The authors comment on the article "How effective are headspace youth mental health services?" by A.F. Jorm and others in a 2015 issue. Topics discussed include headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation for redesign of mental health care in Australia; accessibility and acceptability of headspace centres to young people; and the views of professor Anthony Jorm.