• News & Events
    • Events
    • In the Media
    • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Advocacy
    • Helpful Tips
  • Jobs
  • Volunteers
    • Internship
  • Support Us
  • Aging Services
    • Center at Journey’s Way
      • Health & Wellness
      • Learning & Personal Growth
      • Caring Support
      • Social Connections
      • Ways to Volunteer
      • For Members
      • Journey’s Way Newsletters
      • Journey’s Way Calendars
    • Geriatric Counseling
    • Housing Services
      • Housing Counseling
      • Housing Options
  • IDD Services
    • Residential Programs
      • Community Homes
      • Life Sharing Opportunities
    • Employment Support
  • Behavioral Health
    • Greenridge Counseling Center
      • Adult Outpatient
      • Children Outpatient
      • Evaluation and Therapy
    • Residential Services
    • Blended Case Management
  • About
    • About Interact
      • Our Mission
      • Our Leadership
      • Senior Staff
  • Contact
    • Contact
      Aging Services
    • Contact
      Behavioral Health
    • Contact
      IDD Services

Interact with Us: Building a Bridge from Child to Adult Mental Health Services

April 30, 2018 by Jim Smith in Advocacy, Behavioral Health Services, Helpful Tips
Interact with Us: Building a Bridge from Child to Adult Mental Health Services

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the onset of mental illness started by age 14 for 50 percent of presented cases. In other words, many children who are in need and receive mental health services now will continue to need or desire to engage in mental health services as adults. Therefore, a positive transition from child to adult mental health services is crucial to maintain continuity and quality of care. However, those aged 18 to 21 years old discontinue their services at higher rates than other age groups (Broad, Sandhu, Sunderji, & Charach, 2017). Understanding the transition process and how youth experience this transition can help support and minimize risk of disengagement during this vulnerable time.

Researchers have looked at reasons youth discontinue treatment when transitioning from child to adult services. To begin, youth are expected to transition to adult services between 18 and 21 years old, depending on the service and organization (Broad, Sandhu, Sunderji, & Charach, 2017). Aside from this major transition, youth undergo many others including graduation from school, moving out on their own, and joining the workforce. Therefore, this is an overwhelming time with the perception that their support system is decreasing (Broad, Sandhu, Sunderji, & Charach, 2017). In children services, there is usually an emphasis on the family unit and family involvement, but this is drastically different for youth once they transitioned to adult services, which can perpetuate the concern of dwindling supports (Broad, Sandhu, Sunderji, & Charach, 2017). Therefore, youth strive to create a balance between their independence and continued support. However, many youth struggle with the independence, because they feel that they do not have the necessary information to suddenly manage their healthcare (Broad, Sandhu, Sunderji, & Charach, 2017). Moreover, there can be little consideration for the perceived loss of an important relationship for youth and the associated fear or concern of having to start over with someone unfamiliar and/or again having less support (Broad, Sandhu, Sunderji, & Charach, 2017).

Suggestions to keep in mind:

Be informed and educate youth: It is important for caregivers and youth to know about and understand the process of transitioning from child services to adult services. With more knowledge youth and their support systems have a better opportunity to plan for a smoother transition and continue care.

Build skills: As mentioned, youth often do not learn about steps and skills needed to manage their physical and mental health care, and is, therefore, a barrier for them to continue care as a young adult. Ultimately, introducing youth to skills necessary to manage their physical and mental health care needs before this transition can be a protective factor and minimize healthcare related stressors in the future.

Create a plan: Youth, their caregivers, and other members of their treatment teams should create a plan to help youth prepare for transition. This could include knowing at what age youth will age out of their current services and/or organizations, what adult services are available, and what, if any, changes will occur regarding insurance. Once a timeframe is established, youth and their treatment team and can accordingly research and plan what and where services will be transferred. Of note, it is suggested to not wait until last minute.

Include youth in the transition process: Considering the amount of young adults that disengage from treatment during the transitional period, it is important to include them in this process. Youth are relied on to suddenly take care of their own health but are often not included in the planning, if any occurred. Incorporating youth in this process allows for their voice to be heard, which also encourages self-advocacy, as well as can prevent barriers to youth engaging in adult services in the future.

Author: Melanie Levitt, M.A.

References:
Broad, K.L., Sandhu, V. K., Sunderji, N., & Charach, A. (2017). Youth experiences of transition from child mental health services to adult mental health services: a qualitative thematic synthesis. Biomed Central Psychiatry, 17(380).
Singh, S.P. & Tuomainen, H. (2015). Transition from child to adult mental health services: needs, barriers, experiences and new models of care. World Psychiatry, 14(3), 358-361.

Resources:
http://www.gottransition.org/youthfamilies/

Tweet
Share
Pin it
Previous StoryInteract with Us: Treating Depression in Older Adults Next StoryInteract with Us: CBT for Grief

Categories

  • Advocacy
  • Aging Services
  • Behavioral Health Services
  • Events
  • Helpful Tips
  • In the Media
  • Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services
  • Jobs
  • Journey's Way Events
  • Journey's Way Newsletters
  • Success Stories
  • Uncategorized

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • August 2024
  • June 2024
  • March 2024
  • July 2023
  • February 2023
  • October 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • February 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • April 2015
  • February 2015

Mission

Interact helps people live fulfilling lives by providing resources for aging, behavioral health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Vision

Everyone deserves a fulfilling life.

Connect with Interact

Connect with Journey's Way

Contact Us

Email info@intercommunityaction.org or use the contact information or online forms.

No Surprises Act | Privacy Policies

© 2025 Intercommunity Action, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Web Design by Vance Bell, Pixel Engine