92th ACFAS – Symposium 461 A Day of Dialogue on Youth Mental Health
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | Montreal & Online
On May 7, we had the pleasure of hosting a day of collective reflection and conversation on youth mental health. The event brought together researchers, professionals, advocates, and young people directly affected by these issues, creating a space for open exchange and meaningful engagement.
A Strong Hybrid Turnout
Held in a hybrid format, the event welcomed between 15 and 20 participants in person, and up to 8 online. This enthusiastic turnout reflects a growing interest in more inclusive, community-informed approaches to youth mental health.
Centring Marginalized Voices
The day opened with a powerful presentation from Clinique Mauve, an organization supporting LGBTQI+ migrant and racialized youth through an integrated care model. Their grounded, relational approach set the tone for the day: rethinking care by starting from the lived experiences of those most often pushed to the margins.
Key Issues Discussed: Protection, Social Justice, and Access to Care
Throughout the panels, presentations, and discussions, several critical topics emerged:
- The impact of integrated services on young people’s well-being
- Trauma-informed practices and protective care
- Barriers to care for youth experiencing homelessness
- Transitioning to adulthood after being in the Youth Protection System (LPJ)
Young researchers, students, experienced scholars, and activists shared their insights, lived experiences, and ideas for change.
A Collaborative Workshop to Close the Morning
The morning ended with a World Café workshop, a participatory session in small groups. It fostered rich conversations, common reflections, and practical ideas for improving mental health services and support systems.
Research Rooted in Real-Life Experiences
The afternoon featured presentations of ongoing and upcoming research grounded in diverse contexts:
- Rural communities in Quebec
- Post-earthquake realities in Haiti
- The stories of Southeast Asian refugee youth in Montreal
These presentations highlighted the importance of acknowledging the diversity of young people’s experiences and the many forms of resilience they demonstrate.
A Step Toward More Just and Inclusive Youth Mental Health Services
This event marked an important step in our ongoing commitment to more inclusive, critical, and experience-informed practices in youth mental health.
🙏 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated with generosity, insight, and care.
Together, let’s continue building support systems that recognize young people’s realities and amplify their voices.
And to learn more about each presentation, you can consult the Conference Proceedings!
