In an effort to directly support and empower young adults facing the complexities of adulthood, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) has recently unveiled the Office of Transition Age Youth (TAY). This new division is geared towards youths aged 16 to 25, providing them with essential mental health, housing, and other services as they navigate the crucial transition into adult life. The initiative has been especially designed to reach out to and engage with young people, including those who are without homes.
The launch of the Office of TAY, which took place at the LACDMH Headquarters, was marked by a unique collaboration involving UCLA's Center of Excellence and Kids in the Spotlight. Together, they produced "Cope Safely," a short film that seeks to amplify the struggles and resilience of three young individuals dealing with mental health and substance use challenges. In a statement shared by the LACDMH, Dr. Lisa H. Wong, the LACDMH Director, conveyed the department's enthusiasm for the project, saying, "Transition Aged Youth (TAY) is a priority population for the Department of Mental Health. Therefore, we are excited to announce the establishment of the Office of TAY, bringing together our TAY services under one team to support this important population." She highlighted the initiative's focus on prevention, inclusion, and empowerment—all informed by lived experiences. LACDMH's website provides further details on the initiative.
The newly minted Office of TAY is not just a foundation for policy and coordination; it's also a hub for a variety of critical services available to the youth. This includes access to youth drop-in centers, substance abuse support, workforce and job development training, and the Enhanced Emergency Shelter Program (EESP). The TAY field-based teams are reachable through a collection of contact methods, including phone, email, and even a 24/7 Help Line, ensuring that young people have multiple avenues for getting the help they need, exactly when they need it.
For youths in need of help from the EESP, a TAY intake specialist will work to quickly assess eligibility, aiming to swiftly provide a temporary 60-day shelter, replete with comforting amenities like clean beds, hygienic facilities, hot meals, and case management services. The immediate goal is to offer a safe space, but there's more. "Once contacted, the TAY intake specialist will connect with the youth to find their eligibility for EESP and additional services," the LACDMH explains, showcasing its commitment to not only providing a safe harbor but also an on-ramp to ongoing care. This includes mental health services right at the shelter, as well as connections to continuous mental health care, substance use counseling, different program referrals, and employment support, as needed.
The establishment of the Office of TAY is a considerable stride towards addressing the mental health and well-being concerns of a demographic that stands on the cusp of adulthood. With a comprehensive approach that integrates the experiences of the youth, LACDMH aims to set a standard for how mental health departments can better serve the younger generation. By being proactive in the mental health and housing security of its residents, this program moves Los Angeles County one step closer to realizing a community where the mental health of every individual—especially the youth—is given paramount importance. For more information on the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the variety of services it offers, you can follow their outreach on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube or visit their official website by clicking here.
