The mental health of young people: the view from primary care

Children and young people's (CYP) mental health services are the 'Cinderella of the Cinderella services' by being chronically underfunded and undervalued. Fifty per cent of mental illness begins prior to the age of 14 years and 75% by the age of 24 years. lthough effective treatments are available, less than one-half of those who need such treatment receive it. 1 Mental illness in CYP can have detrimental effects on educational, physical, and social development with enduring consequences into adulthood. Therefore it is crucial that CYP are able to access appropriate, welcoming, and effective mental health services when they need it.