Transitional Services for Adolescents with Psychiatric Disabilities

Abstract

The following article addresses existing literature on transition services for adolescents with serious mental illness (SMI) who need specific and customized supports during the transition from high school to post-secondary school or employment. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine how the implementation of supports will positively impact adolescents with severe mental illnesses and to make recommendations for ways to improve the implementation of transitional programs based on existing literature. An overview of psychiatric disabilities in adolescence is provided with specific focus on depression, bipolar, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders. Ultimately, the authors suggest a psychiatric rehabilitation transition program housed in the school community to offer adolescents with SMI the support they need during a major life transition.