Knowledge Mobilization and Mental Health Policy: Lessons from the Canadian Consensus Conference on the Mental Health of Emerging Adults

This case study explores how the Consensus Conference on the Mental Health of Emerging Adults, hosted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada in 2015, can impact mental health policy and practice in Canada. The study draws on interviews from 14 delegates who attended the conference. Participants praised innovations such as the inclusion of an emerging adult panel that provided feedback on all discussions, and efforts to make the consensus-building process meaningful in the Canadian policy context. Findings suggest that consensus conferences are a promising way to operationalize the Mental Health Strategy for Canada through policy and practice changes.