Supportive Transitional Living Programs for Teens and Young Adults
Transitional living programs provide 24/7 supported living, helping young adults and teens build mental wellness and life skills for an independent future.
We understand how hard it is for parents who have young adults who need some extra support for severe mental health conditions after residential treatment. Transitional living programs provide 24/7 support and care that helps youth practice the life and mental health skills they've learned in residential treatment, for a successful and independent life when they come home.
What Is Transitional Living for Young Adults and Teens?
Transitional living programs are 24/7 supported living programs that bridge the gap between residential treatment and independent living. These programs provide round-the-clock care, helping youth focus on developing essential life skills, fostering mental health resilience, and preparing young people for successful lives.
Transitional living centers provide a place for people recovering to gain confidence, re-establish their identity and self-worth, and find compassion and love through personal relationships. Most transitional living facilities feature home-like living situations where residents, staff, and volunteers cooperate in a family-like relationship while teaching life skills. More than a halfway house, transitional housing strives for complete healing.
How Can Transitional Living Help Teens and Young Adults Heal?
Transition homes for young adults offer a safe place to help them re-enter society. These homes provide a structured living environment that supports the development of important life skills for young people.
Across all Embark transitional living programs in 2023, we helped teens and young adults at our supported living programs reduce negative symptoms and increase their overall well-being. Here's how our transitional treatment centers have helped teens:
*All data collected from January 01, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
How Effective Are Transitional Living Programs for Young Adults and Teens?
Studies show transitional living programs can help teens and young adults grow. They support young people as they move from treatment to independent living. The Transitional Living Program Youth Outcomes Study found that these programs helped young adults in several ways. They increased housing stability and improved the chances of getting a job. They also boosted educational outcomes and enhanced overall mental well-being and resilience.
How Does Transitional Living Work?
After initial healing at residential treatment centers, many teens and young adults transition to a living center to continue addressing complex life issues. These transitional living centers serve as places for youth to have an independent life while slowly transitioning back into society, using the resources and tools gained at their residential treatment center.
During transitional living, teens and young adults will live in a group home-like environment where residents, staff, and volunteers work together like a family. These group living environments give young adults and teens a safe space.
In a transitional program, young people can practice new mental health skills and basic life skills. This helps them use these skills in their everyday lives. The goal of group living is to help your teenager or young adult prepare for the "real world." It aims to support them in living a successful and independent life when they return home.
What's a Day at a Transitional Living Program Like for Teens and Young Adults?
Transitional living programs offer a supportive environment for young adults. They help them build life skills and manage mental health. These programs also prepare young adults for independent living. The schedule for each day promotes growth, resilience, and responsibility through carefully planned activities and therapeutic sessions.
Here's an example of what a day at a transitional living program could look like:
8:00 AM
Morning Reflection and Goal Setting
9:00 AM
Life Skills Workshop
10:30 AM
Individual Therapy Session
12:00 PM
Lunch and Social Time
1:30 PM
Group Therapy Session
3:00 PM
Academic or Vocational Coaching
7:00 PM
Evening Reflection and Community Building
6:00 PM
Dinner
6:30 PM
Mindfulness Activity
9:30 PM
Wind Down
Who will be Helping My Teen or Young Adult Heal at a Transitional Living Program?
Transitional programs for young adults and teens offer support from teams of teachers, therapists, and counselors. These professionals use trauma-informed methods to provide caring mental health treatment for teens. Here are some of the specialists a teen or young adult will work with at a transitional living program:
Where Can I Find a Transitional Living Program for My Teen or Young Adult?
We have transitional treatment centers for young adults and teens located across the country. To find a supported living program near you, click below or call our specialists for help.
Fulshear Treatment to Transition
Conditions Treated:
Optimum Performance Institute
Conditions Treated:
Stories of Healing from our Transitional Living Programs
Our transitional living facilities have helped many teens overcome tough mental health issues. Take a look at some of the stories of healing from teens and families we've helped below:
Transitional Living Program FAQ
What rules are there for teens and young adults in a transitional living program?
To ensure a safe and effective environment, teenagers and young adults in group homes must:
- Stay involved in healing and recovery efforts
- Have no sexual contact with other residents
- Not participate in any violence
- Pay fees on time
- Respect other residents and their belongings
- Smoke or vape only in designated areas (if allowed)
These guidelines help create a supportive space for every resident’s growth and independence.
How long does a transitional living program last?
Length of stay varies depending on individual needs. Please consult an admissions counselor about your specific situation.
How does transitional living support mental health needs?
Transitional living programs offer 24/7 mental health support, with access to individual and group therapy, trauma-informed care, and specialized therapies like equine therapy. Each program provides a safe, therapeutic environment where teens build coping skills, manage stress, and receive guidance to navigate their unique mental health challenges.
What are the living arrangements like, and will there be supervision?
Teens and young adults live in structured, communal group housing settings with on-site supervision and support. These environments are designed to mirror real-world living while maintaining the guidance and structure needed to build independence safely. Staff are available around the clock, offering mentorship and ensuring a supportive atmosphere.
Can I stay involved in my young adult’s progress and treatment?
Absolutely. Family involvement is encouraged and seen as an essential part of the healing process. Regular family therapy sessions, progress updates, and open communication help you stay connected to your young adult’s growth, allowing you to support their journey toward independence.
Does insurance cover transitional living programs?
Many transitional living programs, including ours, work with major insurance providers to cover clinical services at different levels of care. Coverage depends on your plan and may require out-of-network benefits or a single-case agreement. We’re happy to assist you in understanding and navigating your insurance options.
Is my teen safe in a transitional living program?
Safety is our top priority. Transitional living programs provide a secure, supervised environment with trained staff who ensure your teen is safe, supported, and nurtured. Each resident’s well-being is closely monitored, and staff are equipped to respond to any challenges, ensuring a safe, stable setting.
How much does transitional living cost?
In the United States, most transitional housing centers are autonomous and have no affiliation with government entities or larger organizations. Because of this, they often charge a monthly fee or rent. In return, they provide a clean, comfortable, and safe place to live while also providing a care plan.
Are most young adults who come to a transitional living program referrals?
Although residents of the transitional living programs can be self-admitted, most usually come from residential treatment centers where they have received a referral to a transitional home for further healing.
How is a transitional living program or group home different from a Residential Treatment Center?
Transitional living programs help young adults and teens move from treatment to independent living. Unlike Residential Treatment Centers, these programs provide more opportunities to implement life skills such as meal planning and self-directed recreation. There is more intentional exposure to real-world experiences at transitional living programs, which allows young adults to succeed with newly developed skills.
Transitional living centers and group homes provide young adults and teens with a safe and structured environment where they can continue their recovery and practice new behavioral health and life skills they learned at the Residential Treatment Center.
These programs help address complex life issues and mental health needs that require ongoing support.
How Transitional Living Helps Build on Residential Treatment:
- Handling Real-Life Situations: Transitional living programs help young adults and teens apply their new coping strategies and life skills training to everyday scenarios.
- Recognizing Stress Cues: These programs can identify signs of stress to help young adults and teens manage them more effectively before they return to regular life.
- Managing Triggers: Teens and young adults in transitional living programs learn to understand and manage their triggers, helping them return to everyday life.
What if My Teen or Young Adult Needs a Different Level of Care?
If a transitional living program isn't the best fit for your teen, don't lose hope. At Embark, we offer a variety of mental health services and treatment options throughout the U.S. that address various mental health concerns. We are here to help your family heal. Here are some other healing 24/7 treatment options for adolescents, teens, and young adults.
Need Help Finding the Right Program?
Talk to our program specialists, we'll help you find the right option for your adolescent, teen, or young adult.