Scientific research at @ease
At @ease, we listen to young people. Not only during our conversations, but also outside of them.
Together with Maastricht University and other partners, we research what young people need, how accessible support works, and how we can strengthen young people’s mental health. The insights from this research help us continuously improve our approach and contribute to international knowledge in this field.
Our research results are published in national and international scientific journals.
Below you will find an overview of our publications.
Bridging peer support and primary care in youth mental health: stakeholder perspectives on needs, key elements and integration challenges
This research shows how peer support can support young people with mental health issues and how collaboration with general practitioners and primary care can be improved.
Everybody @ease – reaching Out To Vulnerable Subgroups of Young People with Mental Health Problems in the Netherlands: an Adaptation of the Standard @ease Working Method
This study, published in Child Psychiatry & Human Development, examined the @ease outreach program. To what extent does it contribute to reaching subgroups that are typically underrepresented in mainstream care?
Evaluating changes in functioning and psychological distress in visitors of the @ease youth mental health walk-in centres
This study, published in BJPsych Open, looked at the effects of @ease’s walk-in living rooms on young people (ages 12–25) with psychosocial challenges, over a period of five years.
Who is @ease? Visitors’ characteristics and working method of professionally supported peer-to-peer youth walk-in centers,anonymous and free of charge
This study, published in Early Intervention in Psychiatry, maps the demographics, needs, and experiences of young people who attended an @ease location.
Peer involvement and accessibility as key ingredients for 21st century youth mental health care services
This study, published in World Psychiatry, shows why young people need new forms of mental health care, and how peer support can play a key role.
Barriers and facilitators on the pathway to mental health care among 12-25 year olds
In this study, published in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, young people share their experiences with seeking help for mental struggles, and what holds them back or helps them move forward.
Ain’t no mountain high enough: How to improve access to youth mental health care
Dr. Sophie Leijdesdorff investigated why young people with mental health problems often fall outside the regular care system.
Burden of mental health problems: quality of life and cost-of-illness in youth consulting Dutch walk-in youth health centers
This study maps the social impact of mental health problems, measured in terms of quality of life and social costs.
Under the leadership of
@ease’s scientific research is led by Prof. Dr. Thérèse van Amelsvoort, Professor of Transitional Psychiatry at Maastricht University and co-founder of @ease. Her research focuses on young people’s mental health and the transition from youth to adult healthcare.
What does research yield?
Better support
We discover what helps young people, where the barriers lie, and how we can continue to improve our approach.
New scientific knowledge
Our research findings are published in national and international scientific journals and contribute to the development of Youth Mental Health.
Insights for policy and practice
The insights help municipalities, educational institutions, and care organizations better understand what young people need and how accessible support can contribute to meeting those needs.
How do we conduct research?
Research at @ease starts with the experiences of young people. After a conversation, they can voluntarily complete an anonymous questionnaire. This allows us to measure:
- Number of young people visiting @ease
- Topics they bring up
- How they found @ease
- How they feel afterwards
All answers are anonymous and used only for evaluation and research.
International recognition
The @ease approach has not gone unnoticed. In 2025, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) recognized @ease as one of 11 international best practices for youth mental health. This acknowledges the importance of accessible support, peer support, and collaboration within the local network.
Frequently asked questions
In research among @ease visitors, young people reported feeling less stressed after a conversation and being better able to function in their daily lives. They also rated the conversations an average of 4.5 out of 5.
Read the full study: https://ease.nl/2024-jongeren_voelen-zich-beter-na-bezoek-ease/
Many young people find it less intimidating to talk to a peer first. Research into the @ease approach shows that this accessible form of support helps young people feel heard, feel better after a conversation, and take the step towards appropriate help sooner when needed.
Read the full study:
https://ease.nl/met-iemand-praten/
https://ease.nl/2024-jongeren_voelen-zich-beter-na-bezoek-ease/
Research shows that young people face various barriers to seeking help. Shame, uncertainty about whether a problem is “serious enough,” long waiting lists, and previous negative experiences all play an important role. Accessible support can help make taking that first step easier.
Read the full study: https://ease.nl/nieuw-onderzoek-drempels-jongeren-hulp/
Mental health problems often develop at a young age. By starting conversations earlier, problems can be identified sooner and young people can receive appropriate support earlier. This can help prevent symptoms from getting worse and help young people continue to participate in school, work, and everyday life.
Read the full study: https://ease.nl/waarom-jongeren-nieuwe-vormen-van-mentale-zorg-nodig-hebben/
The @ease impact study shows that a lack of appropriate support not only has significant consequences for young people themselves, but also leads to higher costs for society. Early, accessible support can help prevent more serious problems and reduce the need for intensive healthcare and other services.
Read the full study: https://ease.nl/impactstudie-maatschappelijke-kosten-van-uitblijvende-hulp/