EBP Development for Transition-Aged Youth
There is substantial momentum around understanding the impact of intensive early intervention treatment for young adults with serious mental health condition in order to reduce the likelihood of lifetime disability, dependence on government programs, and quality of life. Since the majority of individuals report their mental illness began before age 25, intervening early with this population to improve functioning has strong potential return on investment. However, youth who are transitioning into young adulthood frequently fail to engage in adult service systems that may not be prepared to meet the unique needs of this group. The Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health is working on a number of initiatives to implement, evaluate, and research programming to assist transition-aged youth as they become independent adults.
Initiatives
Supported Employment for Transition-Aged Youth
In partnership with the Department of State Health Services and the Texas System of Care TIEMH is piloting supported employment for transition-age youth ages 16 – 25. The Individual Placement and Supports (IPS) model has been demonstrated to be an effective practice for adults with mental health challenges and shown promise with a subset of adolescents and young adults when adaptions to the model are made. Learn more. . .
Coordinated Specialty Care: First Episode Psychosis Programming
As a result of the National Institute of Mental Health Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) project (Kane et al., 2015), the federal Mental Health Block Grants allocated a portion of their set-aside funds (5% in 2015; 10% in 2016) for “evidence-based programs that address the needs of individuals with early serious mental illness, including psychotic disorders.” As a result of this, the State of Texas has is taking active steps to implement the Coordinated Specialty Care model with community mental health centers across the state. TIEMH is partnering with the Health and Human Services Commission to track the implementation across the State of Texas.
First Episode Psychosis Evaluation Report 2017
First Episode Evaluation Report 2018
First Episode Psychosis Evaluation 2019
Youth and Young Adult Peer Support
Despite the popularity of near-age peer support, there is very limited research exploring how and why peer support works with youth with SMHC; what characteristics, skills, competencies, and training are important for near-age peer support success; and how providers can best support client-near-age peer support relationships. As a component under multiple projects, TIEMH is encouraging agencies to explore the use of near-age peer support for youth and young adults.
