This presentation will illustrate how headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is contributing to the AOD services sector, by drawing on the latest evidence to improve access, service cohesion and quality, and ultimately better health and social outcomes for young people with mental health and/or substance use problems.

Mental health and substance use disorders are among the most important issues affecting young Australians. Over 75% of serious mental and substance use disorders commence before the age of 25, and almost 1 in 3 people will experience an episode of mental ill-health by 25 years of age. This period is critical for effective intervention, as much of the disability associated with mental disorders and substance use develops in the early years following the onset of mental illness or drug abuse.

Only a small proportion of young people with mental health or substance use problems receive professional help and delays in accessing and receiving support contribute to slower and less complete recovery, and increased risk of relapse. Early intervention is critical for providing maximum psychosocial interventions to achieve full recovery.

Current mental health services however are targeted at the acute and chronic stage of illness where interventions have less impact. headspace has been launched in recognition of the inadequacies of the existing health system to respond to the needs of young people with mental and/or substance use disorders. headspace is promoting mental health and substance use service reform based on evidence of effective treatments and holistic, comprehensive and multi-disciplinary service models for youth health. There are currently 30 headspace services across Australia offering services in each State and Territory and the headspace model consists of a youth friendly hub or ‘one stop shops’ that have at their core a private practice comprised of medical, allied health and psychiatric practitioners.