Young Adult Program

This sub-specialty program serves the unique needs of youth and young adults (16-25 +/- years old) in the Edmonton zone.

Young adults, families and other Carers with mental health and addiction concerns are provided with an engaging, developmentally specific, effective programs and services.  The young adult program in the Edmonton Zone develops, implements and evaluates a high-density continuum of services from which individualized services and treatment plans can be constructed.  The continuum of options is designed to facilitate a transition from adolescence to adulthood with a focus on maximizing each individuals’ independence and achieving their highest level of functioning in their communities.  The programs and services pay specific attention to decreasing the disability experienced in major life areas such as education, employment and career development, community life functioning, living situations, personal effectiveness and general well-being.

The program provides an array of services that are required to promote recovery and optimize wellness.  Current services include the ACCESS Open Minds Clinic and Challenge by Choice Program. The Young Adult Program continues to develop in response to identified needs, collaboration, evidence-based research, and learnings from other national and international young adult service models of care.

The program provides training and research opportunities in youth mental health for clinicians, post-doctoral fellows, healthcare administrators, residents, students and other allied health professionals.