The Youth Mood Clinic (YMC) works with young people experiencing depression, bipolar II disorder (non-psychotic bipolar disorder) and severe anxiety disorders such as anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Treatment episodes are usually brief (six months) and young people may receive more than one episode of care, up to a maximum of two years from when they are first seen.
Service Options
- Case management which may include home visits
- Support to families and carers
- Specialised treatments, including psychological therapy, medication and family work
- Psychosocial recovery options such as group programs, vocational and educational supports and services, youth and family participation
- Neuropsychological and occupational therapy interventions
- Referral and liaison with other community agencies (eg. drug and alcohol, employment or youth services)
Treatment Goals
- Early identification and treatment of primary symptoms of illness
- Improve access and reduce delays in initial treatment
- Educate the young person and their family about the illness
- Reduce the frequency and severity of relapse
- Reduce disruption to social and vocational functioning
- Promote wellbeing among family members and carers
- Support the young person during their recovery
- Develop a plan for maintaining mental health