CHSPR Seminar | Examining the Individual, Community, and System-level Impacts of Innovative Mental Health and Substance Use Services for Youth in BC

A Proposed Multi-methods Research Program

Kirsten Marchand, University of BC and Foundry BC

Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025
12-1 pm PT
SPPH or Zoom (Kirsten Marchand will speak in person)
Register

Addressing the rising rates and burden of mental health and substance use disorders among youth (typically ages 12-24) is an urgent priority. Mental and substance use disorders typically emerge and peak during this developmental period and require timely, accessible, and appropriate care. However, youth and their families/caregivers face significant barriers to accessing care. In the last ten years, efforts have been made to improve access to care for mental health and substance use by launching and scaling an innovative integrated youth services initiative across Canada. This initiative brings health and social services together in one place. While this might be a promising way to help youth, we do not currently have much research about these services. In this presentation, Dr Marchand will provide an overview of her five-year research program. The goal of this research is to answer important questions about what impacts existing and new services for mental health and substance use are having on youth, communities, and the health care system.

Kirsten Marchand is an Assistant Professor (Partner) at the UBC School of Population and Public Health and the Centre for Health Services and Policy Research and a Research Scientist at Foundry. Her health services research program aims to improve the quality of mental health and substance use services for youth and families. She applies multi-methods, patient-oriented, and integrated knowledge translation approaches to her research.

Register in advance for this seminar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.