Healthcare Transition Services

Guiding adolescents and young adults as they move from pediatric to adult mental health care with clarity, confidence, and continuity.

Telehealth • Florida Ages 16–25 Bridging pediatric & adult care
College & Healthcare Transition | SHIELD Psychiatry Florida

College & Healthcare Transition

Executive function • Mental health continuity • Independent self-management (ages 16–25)

Program Overview

A structured, outcomes-driven program for ages 16–25 to prepare for the academic, medical, and psychosocial demands of college and early adulthood—grounded in guidance from AAP/Got Transition, AACAP, and ACHA.

Core Supports
  • Executive Function (calendar, planning, study blocks)
  • Sleep Health & CBT-I modules
  • Brief CBT/DBT mental health skills
  • Medication management & safety
  • Documentation & accommodations (ADA/504)
  • Care coordination & crisis pathways
  • Self-advocacy & health literacy
  • Substance risk & harm reduction
Phased Care Pathway
  • Phase 1 — Pre-Departure (6–8 wks): Readiness assessment, EF bootcamp, sleep plan (CBT-I if indicated), med reconciliation, ADA/504 docs, campus resources map.
  • Phase 2 — Campus Launch (first 6–12 wks): Weekly coaching for routines, anxiety skills, safety plan, adherence checks.
  • Phase 3 — Sustain & Optimize: Monthly follow-ups, relapse prevention, warm handoff to adult providers as needed.
Assessment & Outcomes
  • Baseline: PHQ-9, GAD-7, ASRS, C-SSRS, ISI, QbCheck® if ADHD suspected.
  • EF & Function: BDEFS short form; academic metrics (attendance, deadlines).
  • Sleep Metrics: Efficiency, SOL, WASO, regularity index.
  • SMART Goals: 2–3 per phase (e.g., 90% med adherence, stable wake schedule).
  • Reassess: Every 4–6 weeks with adjustments.
Program Elements (Week-to-Week)
  • Personalized routines (classes, sleep, meals, study sprints).
  • Stress & anxiety skills (breathwork, exposure scripts, test-day plans).
  • Task systems (calendar/Notion/LMS) with accountability nudges.
  • Letters & forms for ADA/504; practice using supports.
  • Medication/safety plan (refills, lockbox guidance).
  • Sleep protocol (CBT-I if indicated).
Who Benefits
  • Students with ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, sleep disorders, or EF challenges.
  • Teens moving from pediatric to adult care needing continuity & self-management.
  • First-gen or underrepresented students needing culturally responsive coaching.
Evidence & Guidelines
  • AAP / Got Transition®: Six Core Elements of Healthcare Transition.
  • AACAP: College & transition parameters.
  • ACHA: Access, continuity, collaboration.
  • CBT-I: Adolescent insomnia first-line treatment.
  • ADA/504: Academic accommodations rights.
  • NIMH/988: Crisis planning integration.

Resources: Got Transition · AACAP · ACHA · NIMH · ADA Network

Our Services