According to Columbia University’s Lisa Blitz, “Mentally ill young adults 18-25 years old are an important, vulnerable and little understood minority in the community of mental health. These individuals hover between the last developmental stages of adolescence and the beginnings of full adulthood, and they struggle to get their needs met in a system not specifically designed for them. Clients in community mental health treatment programs are typically in their 30s and 40s. To a 20-year old who enters the adult mental health system for the first time, even a 35-year old fellow patient seems old. The older adult who struggles with his/her own illness can be frightening and intimidating to the younger person. This may have a negative impact on the latter’s ability to attach to the treatment program and acquire the help they need.”*

This is why Pasadena Villa is able to effectively treat the special and specific needs of this age group so effectively. Our Social Integration Model surrounds mental illness patients with clients their own age who are experiencing similar situations and struggles. During this transitional time of life, the Social Integration Program addresses the client’s mental needs and prepares him/her to function in the real world and possibly a new reality such as living on his/her own for the first time, attending college, a first job, or even taking full responsibility for him/herself.

The Social Integration Model immerses clients in real life recreational, social, cultural, and life skills activities within the community. Complementary traditional therapies also are used based on each client’s needs. As the client is introduced to real life experiences, our staff observes and intervenes, as appropriate, in real time. These observations are then incorporated into the ongoing treatment plan.

With a focus on young adults, leading edge treatment, and a professional staff, our Social Integration Model provides clients with the sense of belonging and support necessary to rebuild important relationships and learn life skills needed to successfully live within today’s often challenging and stressful society.

For more information regarding our Social Integration Model at Pasadena Villa, contact us today. 877-845-5235. Pasadena Villa ® provides mental health residential, transitional & support services for adults with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Schizoaffective Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders & Co-occuring Substance Abuse or Addiction.

*Treatment Issues of Young Adults Aged 18-15 with Serious Mental Illness, Principal Investigator Lisa Blitz, M.S., C.S.W., Columbia University

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Mental Illnesses by ACIdesigns