While they wait: A cross-sectional survey on wait times for mental health treatment for anxiety and depression for Australian adolescents

Background Wait times are reported to impede adolescents’ access to mental health treatment for anxiety and depression. However, there is limited quantitative research on current wait times for the treatment of anxiety and depression for Australian adolescents and the impact of these on young help-seekers. Aims This study examined Australian adolescents’ experiences of wait times for the treatment of anxiety and depression, including the providers they were waiting to access, the self-reported duration and perceived acceptability of wait times, the association between these wait times and psychological distress, and the support and coping behaviours used by adolescents during this time. Method From April to June 2022, 375 Australian adolescents aged 13-17 years who were currently waiting, or had previously waited in the past 12 months, for mental health treatment for anxiety and depression completed an anonymous cross-sectional online survey. Results The mean wait time across all treatment providers was 94.1 days (SD: 69.65). Psychologists and psychiatrists were the most utilised services. Most participants felt their wait times were ‘too long’ and longer wait times were significantly associated with increased psychological distress. Many participants perceived their mental health to have worsened during the wait time and engaged in maladaptive and risky coping behaviours while waiting. Most participants did not receive any support from their healthcare providers during the wait time. However, self-reported treatment attendance remained high. Conclusions Many Australian adolescents face lengthy wait periods when trying to access mental health treatment and this period may exacerbate distress and maladaptive coping.