Transitional-age youth, ages 15 to 25 years, represent a distinct developmental entity with unique psychosocial needs and brain development. Transitional-age youth with severe mental illness are particularly susceptible to the challenges of this developmental period. Unfortunately, not all systems of care are suited to address the needs of this population. Psychiatrists are well positioned to advocate and educate about the uniqueness of this developmental period and developmentally informed treatment planning. Doing so promotes the best possible outcomes for these youth. This work cannot be done by the mental health system alone and requires collaboration between mental health, substance abuse, medical, educational, and recreational services; social and government agencies; and the legal system. All components of the system of care need to work together toward a common goal of developing healthy young adults. [Psychiatr Ann. 2022;52(6):238-242.]
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