The need for mental health services for adolescents in the Hunter Region

A survey was carried out to determine the need for mental health services for adolescents in the Hunter Region. Based on health surveys elsewhere, it was estimated that 21,400 of the population of 13 to 18 year-olds in the Hunter Psychiatric Catchment Area would be mildly to seriously disturbed. A sample of disturbed youngsters making demands on agencies in the City of Newcastle and on community health teams and school guidance in the rest of the Region suggests that during November 1980 only about one in 20 of those in need were receiving help from these agencies. Eighty-five per cent involved major family issues. Of those receiving help, at least 40% would have been referred to an adolescent mental health service, had there been one. Of the alternatives that had to be used, about 75% were estimated to have been less than adequate.