Transition Services & Contemporary Mental Health Related Issues & Approaches

A variety of issues can impact the mental health of individuals who have reached the developmental period associated with transition services. Transition professionals have traditionally assisted and supported their students/clients with some common mental health related issues (substance use, anxiety, depression and even topics like body image and disordered eating) as well as interpersonal topics such as dating and bullying. More recently, transition professionals have acknowledged the impact of issues such as social media, school violence, and even topics like vaping upon students’/clients’ mental health.

This presentation will focus on 1) the provision of background and contextual information, 2) delineating some risk factors for transition professionals to be aware of, and 3) sharing some suggested practices and resources regarding these contemporary mental health related issues.  Finally, tips and strategies for partnering with families, assisting students/clients to provide support for friends, and to care for themselves will be highlighted.

Training Objectives: 

• Conceptualize factors that can enhance mental health.
• Discuss how the topics discussed in the webinar apply to the services they provide.
• Identify resources and best practices for assisting students to thrive in the face of challenges they may face.