The mental health status of children in the United States and Canada is relatively the same, with a comparable teen suicide rate, same numbers of children reached by mental health services, and same estimated number of children with mental health disorders. The fact that Canada has a universal health care system does not insure children or persons receive the mental health services they need as evidenced by the status of Canada’s child health. Even though both countries have mechanisms by which the children are supposed to be reached, neither of these mechanisms reach all the children it should. Canada does a better job of treating persons who have less severe problems and need short term help. They can access services through their province’s insurance programs; clients do not have to worry about insurance coverage exclusion due to preexisting conditions or the exhaustion of treatment benefits. Clients also do not have to worry about co-payments. Both countries do offer some services who need mental health services. The extent and availability of these services differ in Canada and the United States. However, both countries need to address the issue of children needing mental health services and not receiving those services on a more comprehensive level because children in both countries are not receiving the mental health services they need to become productive adults.
Learning Objectives: 1)What can be learned from Canada in the realm of child mental health given their universal healthcare program 2)The state of child mental health and mental health services availble in Canada and the United States
Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.