Depression in youth is common and a significant risk factor for suicide, the second leading cause of death for young people in Canada. To address the need for effective treatment, a team of researchers at the Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression and youth advisors developed the CARIBOU Pathway by CAMH. CARIBOU stands for Care for Adolescents who Receive Information 'Bout Outcomes.
The CARIBOU Pathway provides an evidence-based approach to treating depression in youth and uses a measurement-based care framework for assessing and monitoring their progress. As an integrated care pathway (ICP) for outpatient youth ages 13-18 (with potential for use up to age 24) with depression, a structured treatment plan for the youth maps the treatment process from start to finish. The treatment is also collaborative, so youth are involved in decision-making, as are other people who support them, such as family members and their care team. The pathway includes seven core components.