TRANSITIONAL

The Transitional Program serves adolescents ages 14 to 19, and in some cases until the age of 24. The Transitional Program provides services to assist with the mental health needs of adolescents as well as to help promote a successful transition to adulthood by working with youth to build the skills needed in the transition to independence.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

SERVICES OFFERED

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY

Adolescents in the Transitional Program can receive mental health therapy to address social, emotional or behavioral concerns. As adolescents make the transition to adulthood, their mental wellness and ability to cope with daily challenges becomes essential while they build skills to help them navigate the adult world.

Both individual and family therapy can be provided.

INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY

Adolescents can also access Case Management Services through the Transitional Program. The A Qualified Mental Health Specialist provides assistance in the home, at school and in the community to assist youth by reinforcing the skills that the client learns in therapy. The case manager provides hands on skill building and reinforcement of skills. Through this service, youth can receive assistance with rehearsing positive communication, problem solving skills, job interview skills, assistance with completing job applications and learning job related skills (teamwork, dependability, task & time management, taking public transportation, etc.)

PEER SUPPORT

Peer Services are unique in that the Peers are providers with lived experiences who have overcome obstacles in their own lives to be successful. Because of this lived experience, Peers use their own journey to role model their success, provide encouragement and support youth while they assist with skill building and act as more of a partner in treatment.

Peers are required to have at least a high school diploma and Ohio Mental Health Addiction and Services certification. Peer services can be helpful for youth needing assistance with independent living skills, college planning, general wellness, relationships and recovery to name a few.

SUBSTANCE USE

Providers in the Transitional Program assess the needs of the client for substance use/abuse. Providers in this pro-gram are required to have Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) licensure to assist clients with decision related to substance use. Depending on the severity of the use, Transitional providers may refer to the Gemini Program, a specialized program for youth with substance use disorders and mental health concerns.

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES

A youth involved in the Transitional Program can be referred by their C&A provider for a psychiatric evaluation and medication management by a child psychiatrist or nurse practitioner on staff. A referral can be made with the agreement of the parent/legal guardian and/or client (18 and older) if deemed as medically appropriate by the service provider.

DIALETICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Transitional age youth who are experi- encing significant emotional dysregu- lation or the inability to appropriately manage emotional responses, leading to a negative impact on their daily lives may benefit from Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Adolescents who may be experiencing emotional outbursts, failing relationships, engaging in self-harm, have suicidal thoughts/ behaviors can participate in DBT as part of their treatment. This treatment promotes the building of skills to manage intense emotions and to create more appropriate responses to these emotions and decrease at risk behaviors. Youth with chronic risky behaviors may be referred to the Care Pathway Program for specialized serviced by trained DBT providers.