ACCESS Open Minds at the University of Alberta: Transforming student mental health services in a large Canadian post-secondary educational institution.

Aim: Demands for mental health services in post-secondary institutions are increasing. This paper describes key features of a response to these needs: ACCESS Open Minds University of Alberta (ACCESS OM UA) is focused on improving mental health services for first-year students, as youth transition to university and adulthood.

Methods: The core transformation activities at ACCESS OM UA are described, including early case identification, rapid access, appropriate and timely connections to follow-up care and engagement of students and families/carers.