Description:
This three-part series examines challenges specific populations experience in response to COVID and other traumatic events. Part 1 focuses on transition-aged young adults (ages 16-24 years old). Many mental illnesses first become evident during this age range. Psychological and social challenges around identity, independence, sexuality, work/career coincide at a time when they decrease seeking support from parents or guardians. This webinar will discuss the challenges faced by this population, as well as resources that can help them reach a stable sense of self and confidence. A Community of Practice session will follow for practitioners to discuss related experiences and approaches specific to transition-aged adults.

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Presenters:
Philip H. Rainer, M.S.W., LCSW-R, is a senior program associate at Advocates for Human Potential (AHP). He is highly skilled with more than 35 years of experience focused on clinical social work and demonstrated success in staff development; corporate training; program development and management based on promising and best practices; community education; public relations; and individual, group, and marital therapy. He has held leadership positions at several mental and community health organizations in the Albany, NY area. Mr. Rainer holds an M.S.W. from the State University of New York at Albany. 

Tara Fischer, M.S.W., LICSW, is a senior program associate at Advocates for Human Potential (AHP). She brings 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and monitoring behavioral healthcare service improvements for public sector organizations serving some of Massachusetts’ most vulnerable children and their families. Her experience includes providing community-based services under MassHealth’s Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI). Ms. Fischer earned her B.S. in psychology from Worcester State University and her M.S.W. from Simmons University.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how COVID-19 and other traumatic experiences are impacting the mental health of transition aged young adults
• Identify resources young adults find effective and preferable to manage their health and well-being
• Identify strategies to effectively connect young adults with resources to support successful transitions to adulthood

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The COVID webinars and follow-up communities of practice sessions continue in January 2021. Part 2 will focus on work with adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Part 3 will address work with first responders.