Navigating the world of young adults

By Stephen C. Schultz

Allow me to share a brief conversation I had with my brother, Jared Schultz (PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling and Department Head at VCU), which I believe might be helpful.

Jared and I were discussing the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. This conversation naturally included how to support young adults in becoming self-sufficient, responsible, and productive members of society. Often, this can be a subtle yet significant challenge, especially for those who have received mental health services and various interventions over time.

Many young adults dealing with complex clinical concerns—including depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, and other co-occurring developmental issues—have had limited opportunities to focus on career aspirations, education, or independent living skills. When therapeutic interventions are no longer the primary focus, these young adults may feel unprepared for social and career development. This can lead to discouragement and, in many cases, a return to unhealthy patterns of behavior.

Challenges with Existing Services

Historically, there have been two competing avenues for accessing career and vocational services within the local community. Unfortunately, neither of these options comes with consistent, integrated therapeutic support. Instead, they often involve excessive bureaucracy and poor customer service, leaving families feeling frustrated and unsupported.

Overview of State Services in the U.S.

State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program available to individuals with disabilities, provided they meet the following criteria:

1. They have a qualifying disability as defined by the state.
2. The disability poses a barrier to employment.
3. They are likely to benefit from the services offered.

The vocational evaluations provided by VR typically involve testing to assess the client’s interests and abilities. Occasionally, these evaluations include assessments of the client’s work and family values, but this is inconsistent and varies by state, agency, and caseworker. However, VR case managers rarely provide therapeutic support recommendations or train families on how to best support the client. Families expecting even a moderate level of “customer service” are often left disappointed.

By federal law, VR services are available to students who meet the above criteria. However, in practice, parents often find themselves being shuffled between local VR agencies and school districts. Federal law also governs the provision of special education services in schools, requiring that accommodations and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) be offered up to age 22 based on the severity of the disability.

For students aged 18 to 22, this overlap can be especially frustrating. Families frequently find themselves caught between school districts and VR agencies, with each claiming that the other is responsible for funding services. As a result, many families give up on pursuing these services altogether.

Challenges with Public Rehabilitation

Because public rehabilitation is managed by state and locally funded agencies, families should be aware of several systemic and cultural issues:

1. Delays in service: VR counselors often manage caseloads of 150 to 300 clients. While they try their best, they are unable to provide customized, individualized support.
2. Vended services: Due to large caseloads, VR counselors usually outsource services to third-party providers. This can lead to issues with continuity of care.
3. Limited family involvement: The public VR process primarily focuses on the individual. It does not typically involve the family in a meaningful way, and outcomes often depend on the capabilities of the assigned counselor. Unfortunately, families cannot choose their counselor, as counselors are assigned randomly.
4. Eligibility process: Students cannot apply for state VR services until one year before high school graduation. If the agency’s budget is constrained, they implement an “order of selection,” prioritizing individuals with more severe disabilities.

A Solution for Families

If you know a young adult struggling with mental health or developmental challenges, a private, personalized, and integrated assessment may be the best option. My brother and I have worked with families through video calls to provide tailored career evaluations for young adults who are finding it difficult to transition into adulthood.

Final Thoughts

My hope is that this information proves useful for families. Many of the families seeking help have likely tried these public options in the past. Having a new perspective and aligning one's expectations can help to minimize frustrations and provide meaningful direction.

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