Only 1 in 6 adolescents are guided on getting mental health care as an adult

The transition between adolescence and adulthood presents what experts have called "a cliff" for mental health care, where young adults with mental health conditions are flung into adulthood without knowing how to find a provider or care. New CDC data show that between 2016 - 2017, only 1 in 6 teens with mental health problems received guidance on continuing care as adults. Only 10% of those ages 12-14 received the appropriate guidance, even though clinical guidelines recommend that pediatricians begin talking to their patients about transitioning to adult care starting at age 12. Among adolescents with mental, behavioral or developmental issues, girls, those who were white, or those with private insurance were more likely to get appropriate guidance on transitioning care. Those with emotional disorders — specifically depression — were likeliest to have discussions on adult care, while those with developmental disorders such as autism were least likely to be helped.