The latest report, A Generation at Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada, highlights that 1.25 million young Canadians need mental health support annually, yet 720,000 aren’t receiving it. At PlaySpace, we believe that through collaboration with clinicians, policymakers, and communities, we can address these gaps and ensure every young person gets the care they deserve.
At PlaySpace, we believe in the power of working together to support the mental health of young people. The recently published report, A Generation at Risk: The State of Youth Mental Health in Canada, presents a sobering picture: 1.25 million young Canadians require mental health support each year, yet 720,000 are not receiving the help they need.
These figures reveal a system under pressure, and they remind us that addressing this challenge will require collective effort from all of us—clinicians, organizations, policymakers, and communities alike.
The report sheds light on several areas where we can strengthen our approach:
Rather than viewing these challenges as failures, we see them as opportunities to collaborate on building a stronger, more connected mental health care system for Canada’s youth. The work ahead is significant, but it is within our reach if we unite our efforts.
Clinicians—therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals—are key to the solution. They are the ones who connect directly with young people, offering support, guidance, and care. But they need resources and tools to do their jobs effectively.
At PlaySpace, we work hand in hand with clinicians to develop tools that allow them to engage more effectively with their clients, reduce administrative burdens, and focus on providing personalized care. By collaborating with clinicians, we can better understand their needs and design solutions that empower them to make the greatest possible impact. This is how we begin to address the gaps in our system—by supporting those at the frontlines of youth mental health care.
Solving the youth mental health crisis will not happen through individual efforts. It requires collaboration. Policymakers must work closely with care providers and mental health organizations to align efforts, share resources, and scale solutions that work.
The report identifies several actions that can drive progress:
By focusing on these goals together, we can build a system that adapts to the needs of today’s youth and lays a foundation for long-term improvement.
At PlaySpace, we understand the value of collaboration, and we are committed to working alongside clinicians, policymakers, and organizations to create a better future for youth mental health. We believe that the right tools, combined with shared responsibility, can make a lasting impact.
Technology alone isn’t the solution—but it can play a crucial role when integrated into a broader, coordinated approach. Together, we can support clinicians, enhance engagement, and improve outcomes for youth across Canada.
The task ahead is not easy, but it’s possible. It starts with all of us committing to work together—toward a mental health system that is responsive, inclusive, and accessible to every young person who needs support. At PlaySpace, we’re proud to be part of this journey, and we’re eager to partner with others who share this vision.
Together, we can build a brighter future for our youth.
Read the full Mental Health Research Canada report.
