Youth and Young Adult Resources
Youth & Young Adult Peer Support
Youth Engagement
SAMHSA’s Youth Engagement Guidance: Strategies, Tools and Tips for Supportive and Meaningful Youth Engagement in Federal Government-Sponsored Meetings and Events
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Mental Health of Transgender Children Who Are Supported in Their Identities
Transgender children who have socially transitioned, that is, who identify as the gender “opposite” their natal sex and are supported to live openly as that gender, are increasingly visible in society, yet we know nothing about their mental health. Previous work with children with gender identity disorder (GID; now termed gender dysphoria) has found remarkably high rates of anxiety and depression in these children. Here we examine, for the first time, mental health in a sample of socially transitioned transgender children.
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Youth Involvement in Systems of Care: A Guide to Empowerment
Youth Involvement in Systems of Care: A Guide to Empowerment has been developed in partnership with two young people who are currently involved in local systems of care1 as well as a team of youth and youth coordinator reviewers from across the country. The guide was also vetted to multiple reviewers including internal staff from the American Institutes for Research as well as Gary Blau, Ph.D. from the Center for Mental Health Services, Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch.
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Transition to Adulthood
Paving the Way: Meeting transition needs of young people with developmental disabilities and serious mental health conditions
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Becoming an Adult: Challenges for Those with Mental Health Conditions
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Youth-Run Organizations
College Mental Health
Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health
Attending college is an important achievement and exciting time in life. You will gain greater independence, meet new people and have new and memorable experiences. It is a time of significant transition, which can be both positive and challenging. For some, the stress of college may impact mental health, making it difficult to manage the daily demands of school. In fact, did you know as many as one in five students experiences a mental health condition while in college?
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A Strategic Primer of College Student Mental Health
We want students to learn and grow during college. Parents, employers, and the public expect that college graduates will have acquired knowledge and certain qualities, skills, and abilities, including cognitive, career, and practical competencies. They will demonstrate competency in critical thinking, communication, teamwork, resiliency, and problem solving. They will be committed to personal and social responsibility, intercultural competency, and civic engagement, and possess the ability to apply learning across multiple fields and in many dimensions (Association of American Colleges and Universities 2007). A graduate who has developed those qualities is ready for success in life and work.
To download, click here.
Student Guide to Surviving Stress and Anxiety in College & Beyond
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Mental Health and Wellbeing for College Students
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Resources for Youth & Young Adults
A Youth Guide to Treatment and Treatment Planning: A Better Life
This guide is about the kind of treatment youth get when people are worried about their safety, behavior, ability to be happy, mental health, or relationships.
To download, click here.
Making Healthy Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care
WHY READ THIS GUIDE?
This guide can help you figure out if certain medications are right for you. It was created by a group of youth who have experienced foster care, doctors, social workers, and others who care about young people. Sometimes your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors get in the way of doing things you want to do. Maybe you’re not able to sleep at night or do your homework or have fun with friends. This guide talks about psychotropic medications—one option that may help you feel better. These medications can have many benefits. They also can cause negative side effects and can be harmful if not used correctly. Once you know more, you can decide whether these medications are a good option for you.
To download, click here.