The Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) is committed to addressing the systemic needs of youth and young adults with behavioral health and/or substance use issues. Through various grants and programs, DBHDID, Division of Mental Health, is working to ensure that youth and young adults receive services that are more inclusive, person-centered, and relevant to their age and experiences.
Initiatives
Youth Treatment Coordinators and Transition Age Youth Coordinators
Each Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) includes staff who help to coordinate the continuum of services and supports for youth and young adults who either have, or are at risk of developing, serious behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use) conditions, including Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Serious Mental Illness (SMI), and First Episode Psychosis. Transition Age Youth Coordinators and Youth Treatment Coordinators collaborate within and outside the agency to build the youth population. They provide consultation, referral, education, training, technical assistance, coaching, outreach, and system development within the regional CMHC community to increase seamless and easily accessible supports for youth and young adults.
TAYLRD
TAYLRD (Transition Age Youth Launching Realized Dreams) program Drop-in Centers offer services and supports to youth and young adults aged 16–25 who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use (behavioral health) issues. The hope is that by providing behavioral health support in an engaging environment, TAYLRD will give youth and young adults a sense of belonging and ownership in their wellness and recovery. TAYLRD’s goal is to empower young people by providing services and supports that young adults choose. Examples include: peer support services, employment, education, and career planning, life skills development, medication management, health care navigation, and age-specific, developmentally appropriate behavioral health care.
iHOPE
What is psychosis?
Psychosis involves the loss of contact with reality. A psychotic episode occurs when a person is unable to tell the difference between what is real and what is only occurring in their mind. There are significant changes in the person’s thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors when psychosis occurs. The person may experience hallucinations, such as hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, and/or feeling things that are not there, or experience delusions. These experiences can feel very real and distressing, making it difficult to carry on with regular life tasks such as school, work, and relationships.
What is iHOPE?
iHOPE (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) is a specialized, team-based program that provides early intervention services for youth and young adults who are at risk of or have symptoms of psychosis. This program serves young people aged 15–30. Early intervention and support can increase the possibility of continuing with school, work, and full, meaningful lives in the community.