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

Background Long wait times impede timely access to mental health treatment for anxiety and depression for adolescents. However, there is limited quantitative research on current wait times for the treatment of anxiety and depression for adolescents in Australia and the impact of wait times on adolescent help-seekers. Aims This study examined adolescents' experiences of wait times for the treatment of anxiety and depression in Australia, 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 adolescents aged 13-17 years who were living in Australia and currently waiting, or had previously waited in the past 12 months, for mental health treatment for anxiety and depression completed a cross-sectional online survey. Results Most adolescents initiated care with psychologists and psychiatrists, with mean wait times of 100.1 days (SD: 77.25) and 127.5 days (SD: 78.80), respectively. The mean wait time across all treatment providers was 99.6 days (SD: 80.44). Most participants (85.2%) felt their wait times were 'too long'. Longer wait times were associated with increased psychological distress, and many adolescents perceived that their mental health worsened during the wait time. Most participants did not receive any support from their healthcare providers during the wait time and engaged in maladaptive and risky coping behaviours while waiting. However, self-reported treatment attendance remained high. Conclusions Adolescents in Australia face lengthy wait times when accessing mental health treatment, and this may exacerbate distress and maladaptive coping.