When youth-centred practice is done well, the individualized service provides significantly better outcomes for the youth, and this is observed in as little as one session. Having youth at the centre of their own care can improve self-esteem, resiliency and mental health outcomes.  

As what it means to be a youth changes and evolves throughout the different developmental stages youth go through and generational changes that occur, so should the types of care provided. Practitioners who prioritize their youth clients learn to act reflexively to the evolution of the youth experience by staying aware of changes to the core experiences of young people today. Theories and practices which are standard today may not be relevant to the needs of future youth. 

At the end of the day, the service provider’s job is to help the youth seeking care. Service providers attest that youth can get better when given the correct help. When the job is done right and helping the youth is prioritized above all else, youth thrive and go on to live happy lives. 

“We as clinicians find joy in helping young people get better. And it’s incredibly rewarding because young people do get better, and they do; they are in a developmental stage where they can just blossom into, you know, fantastic, wonderful human beings from having felt very defeated and so undone by their mental health concerns.” – Reflection from a service provider

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