Psy. D., Antioch University, 2024, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a critical period characterized by significant psychological, social, and developmental changes. The prevalence of mental health issues for teens and young adults has risen significantly over the past decade, yet there is a shortage of licensed professionals to treat the growing number of transitional-aged youth who are struggling. While mentoring programs exist for lower socioeconomic youth, few programs service affluent adolescents and young adults. Grounded in a comprehensive literature review, this program proposal identifies the unique challenges faced by affluent adolescents and young adults and proposes a unique therapeutic mentoring model to aid this specific demographic. This dissertation explores the efficacy of clinical mentoring programs designed specifically for adolescents and young adults to address their mental health needs and facilitate their journey into independent adulthood. The proposed program incorporates evidence-based practices and theoretical frameworks from developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and mentoring literature. It aims to provide structured support, foster resilience, and promote the development of critical life skills. Key elements include personalized mentoring relationships, promoting healthy coping skills, individuation, and continuous assessment to tailor interventions to individual needs. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the importance of tailored clinical mentoring programs in helping emerging adults launch into self-efficacy. It provides a scalable model that can be adapted for various settings, offering a practical solution to the pervasive gap in mental health care. Through this research, I propose the potential of clinical mentoring as a critical element in empowering young individuals, fostering a smoother transition to adulthood and promoting long-term psychological well-being for the entire family system. This diss (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Stephen Southern Ed.D. (Committee Chair); Brett Kia Keating Ed.D. (Committee Member); Donald Grant Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Mental Health; Psychology; Psychotherapy

Ph.D., Antioch University, 2017, Leadership and Change

Young adults between 18 and 24 years of age with mental illness are significantly less likely to receive mental health services than adults in older age groups. Nationally, higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and psychiatric issues are reported in this age group. A therapeutic model referred to as young adult transition programs has emerged to better address the unique developmental challenges found in this age group. This study examined 317 critical incidents that supported or hindered young adults in a therapeutic transition program. The research design used a combination of an instrumental case study and critical incident technique (CIT). Using interviews and the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2, the study explored indepth the experiences of 17 young adults who were alumni of a young adult transition program. The research focused on critical incidents that supported or hindered the young adult in their process of growth and change while in treatment and whether meaningful change lasted beyond treatment. Its objective was to better understand the transition experience from a participant perspective and, through the findings, inform program development and evaluation for young adult transition programs. Several significant findings emerged from the data, among them the importance of interpersonal relationships, experiential education and adventure, individualized programming, and community and culture. An understanding of these findings leads to a discussion on transformational mentoring and leadership as well as relational cultural practice and how this can support leaders of transition programs in further research and program development. The limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions for future studies are offered. This dissertation is available in open-access at OhioLink ETD Center, www.ohiolink.edu/etd and AURA: Antioch University Repository and Archive, http://aura.antioch.edu/

Committee: Elizabeth Holloway Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Jon Wergin Ph.D. (Committee Member); Ellen Behrens Ph.D. (Committee Member); Katherine Clarke Ph.D. (Other) Subjects: Behavioral Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Therapy; Counseling Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Entrepreneurship; Health Care; Individual and Family Studies; Mental Health; Psychology; Recreation; Social Work; Systems Design