Targeting the young to avoid overwhelming mental illness costs

Researchers predict that the cost of mental illness to the Australian government, already at $7 billion a year, will double in the next two decades.

Interventions programs for young patients may be an answer to the rising costs and growing demand for mental health services.

One in two young people suffer from mental illness, yet only one in five seek professional help. The program, drafted by NDARC, seeks to target young patients before problems develop later in life.