To equitably allocate resources and services for young people living in rural and regional Australia at a system level, we need a more comprehensive understanding of their needs. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of nationally-representative data from the 2020-22 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Respondents were young people aged 16-24 living in rural or regional Australia. We compared findings across states and Modified Monash Model classification areas to identify patterns of distress and self-determined need for wellbeing and mental health services among young people. We then explored patterns of met and unmet need for mental health services. We found high rates of distress and unmet service need among young people across all locations. Young people presumed female at birth frequently reported higher rates of distress and service need compared to those presumed male. Young people’s need for practical help (including help with money, housing, work, and meeting other people) was met least often. Young people living in rural and regional Australia require additional supports in order to have their needs adequately met, particularly regarding needs for practical help.

Three Key Learnings:

1. Our findings provide a timely overview of the wellbeing and mental health needs of young people living in rural and regional Australia.
2. We explore different indicators of distress and need, and
3. Determine the level of unmet need for wellbeing and mental health services among young Australians in rural and regional areas.