Paper questions funding of mental health service Headspace amid lack of evidence it improves youth outcomes

CEO of Headspace Jason Trethowan has defended the organisation's services, describing the paper as biased' and misleading'

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There is scant evidence that youth mental health organisation Headspace leads to clinical improvement in young people, raising questions about whether the not-for-profit should continue to attract millions of dollars in government funding, according to a paper published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday.

Led by Prof Steve Kisely, a psychiatrist and public health physician at the University of Queensland, the paper examines existing studies into the impact of Headspace, which offers online, face-to-face and telehealth appointments with clinicians. Headspace also offers physical and sexual health services, alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.

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