Transitioning to Adult Mental Health Services: Perceptions of Adolescents With Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Longitudinal studies have demonstrated that youth with mental health problems tend to have poor outcomes in adulthood. Moreover, many young adults do not make the transition from child- to adult-focused care even when they acknowledge their need for support. This study is an investigation of the needs and experiences of late adolescents with emotional and/or behavioral problems who accessed mental health services at a local child and adolescent clinic. In general, participants did not appear ready for an institutional transition. Adolescents disclosed their fears, underscoring the importance of supportive relationships, and stated the negative expectations they had concerning adult-focused care. The implementation of clinical supports to increase adolescents’ mental health self-efficacy may promote successful service transitions.