Much attention has rightly been given to the mental health of American children and youth since the COVID-19 pandemic upended their educational and social wellbeing. However, long before the virus hit, alarms were going off over the mental health condition of our adolescents and young adults.As you’ll hear from our guest in this episode of What Makes Up Your Mind, Stanford Psychiatry Clinical Professor Dr. Steven Adelsheim, research shows that half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, three quarters by age 24, but many go undiagnosed. Further, often when a condition is identified, Dr. Adelsheim explains there aren't enough qualified caregivers to meet the need, nor a cohesive system for early intervention and prevention.National data shows the onset of anxiety or depression can be as early as ages nine or ten. Comparing this statistic to when treatment is accessed - if it is - most kids are going seven to eight years before receiving care. Young people with obvious psychotic illnesses, meaning a loss of touch with reality, go an average of a year and a half before treatment. One in 5 under the age of 18 may be dealing with a serious mental health condition, and of those, up to 80% may be going without care altogether. It's estimated that only one-third of young kids with major depression have been able to access treatment. There is, however, a movement to address this with a proven record of success in countries like Australia, Canada, and Ireland. It's now debuting in the U.S., thanks to Dr. Adelsheim and the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, which he Directs.After years of planning and collaboration, two newly created spaces specifically created and staffed to meet the needs of our youth have opened in Santa Clara County, California….in San Jose and Palo Alto. The name of these new centers is allcove. A cove or safe harbor for all, where every young person can find refuge and support. The name, like the services, staffing structure, and even the physical characteristics of these new brick and mortar centers, was designed not only for youth but with and by them, as well.The plan is for these centers of holistic caring for those age 12 to 25 to multiply across the country, creating a network of integrated youth health centers for mental and physical health care, educational and employment support, substance use treatment, along with peer and family support.This link will take you to the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, working to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and robust system of youth mental health care and prevention: med.stanford.edu/psychiatry/speci…thwellbeing.htmlClick here med.stanford.edu/profiles/steven-adelsheim to learn more about Dr. Steven Adelsheim and his work as a youth and adult psychiatrist, and his focus on supporting community and government partnerships in behavioral health, particularly systems for early detection and prevention in pediatric care and school settings. You’ll also find information on his role as the Associate Chair of Community Engagement for the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

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