Profiles of Quality of Outpatient Care Received Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Health Mental Disorders.

Addressing mental health disorders (MHDs) in youth is essential for long-term well-being in adulthood, as early unmet needs may adversely affect later functioning and quality of life. This study identified profiles of quality of care received by adolescents (12–17 years) and emerging adults (18–29 years) with MHDs, and examined associations with their socioeconomic and clinical characteristics and outcomes (emergency department use, hospitalization, quality of life). Data were drawn from representative population-based surveys in Quebec, Canada (2013–2014, 2015–2016), and linked to provincial health administrative records (1996–2017). Latent class analysis and multinomial regressions were conducted on a sample of 1,033 youths aged 12–29. Four profiles were identified: (1) Mainly men in emerging adulthood with low quality of care (27% of the sample); (2) Mainly adolescent men with high diversified and specialized MH care (14%); (3) Mainly women in emerging adulthood with high diversity, continuity, and regularity of care (25%); (4) Mainly men in emerging adulthood with high continuity of general practitioner care (34%). Profiles 1 and 4 exhibited better conditions and outcomes than Profiles 3 and 2. Despite receiving the highest diversity, continuity, and regularity of care, respondents in Profile 3 demonstrated the worst outcomes. This may be due to more complex clinical and socioeconomic conditions, including prior and severe MHDs. Targeted interventions are recommended for each profile. Enhanced service transitions for youth to adult care, coordination, outreach, and consolidated care—incorporating best practices—should be prioritized to address the unmet needs of this vulnerable population.