Advancing an Integrated Pathway to Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Health Care: A Case Study

There is a strong, complex relationship between Mental Health and Substance Use Health (MHSUH). While integrated care is widely recognized as an effective approach to addressing young people's MHSUH needs, there is limited applied evidence on how community-based agencies can collaboratively design, implement, and sustain these models in practice. We conducted a single case study focused on the partnership between a youth mental health and youth substance use health agency to develop and implement an integrated MHSUH service model. Through document analysis (n = 26), interviews (n = 14), and observation notes (n = 2), we examined the process of creating and implementing the model, and key learnings to inform spread and scale of similar initiatives. Data was analyzed using a reflective thematic approach with critical input from the agency leaders. Results highlight the importance of continuous collaboration, commitment, and championing from leadership, and specific resources needed to move integrated models from plans into action.