Treatment & Transitional Living for Young Adults

Clients at our Young Adult Transition Program

At Cornerstones of Maine, we work with young adults facing a variety of challenges on the path to independence. Many of our clients are bright, capable individuals who feel stuck after a history of adversity—struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or social and emotional difficulties. Some have faced setbacks in school, work, or relationships and need a supportive, structured environment to build confidence and momentum.

We specialize in working with emerging young adults—those who are legally adults, but may not yet feel fully independent. Some are experiencing challenges related to executive functioning, emotional regulation, or motivation, while others need help establishing routines, managing stress, or improving social skills.

Most of the young adults who come to our program have previous experiences in mental healthcare settings, such as residential treatment, wilderness therapy, or intensive outpatient programs. Others have experienced extended periods of isolation at home. Despite these challenges, our clients should come ready to engage in professional work or attend classes with substantial support.

Young Adults We Work Well With:

Every Cornerstones of Maine client is different, but we have seen particular success in clients with:

Academic Struggles

ASD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Executive Functioning Deficits

Family Relationship Problems

Immaturity

Interpersonal Skill Deficits

Isolation and Loneliness

Lack of Motivation

Mood & Anxiety Disorders

And More

Young Adults We Are Not the Best Fit For:

While we strive to make everyone feel welcome, the safety of our community is paramount. For that reason, we are not the best fit for clients who may have exhibited:

Danger to Self or Others

Moderate to Severe Eating Disorders

Moderate to Severe Substance Use Disorder

Physical Aggression

Severe Personality Disorders

Sexual Acting Out Behaviors

Unmanaged Psychotic Disorders

Unwillingness to Follow Rules

Violence

What is an Emerging Young Adult?

Cornerstones of Maine was founded to serve an often-overlooked segment of the population: young adults ages 18 to 30. For decades, the developmental period from age 18 to 26 was classified as late adolescence. However, in recent years research—and experience—has challenged this perception. Today, we know that adolescence concludes around age 18, and “emerging adulthood” begins.

At Cornerstones of Maine, we know that the needs and challenges of an 18-year-old are very different from those of a 14 year old. We built this community to embrace the view of emerging adulthood as a unique developmental stage. This allows us to tailor our approach to address the specific developmental issues that young adults face during this critical phase of life.

Challenges Young Adults Face

From Snapchat to vaping, today’s young adults face challenges that their parents never could have imagined. However, underneath the surface-level symptoms, they are battling the same struggles we all have overcome on the road to adulthood. Understanding these key aspects is essential in providing support and guidance to young adults during this critical period.

Identity Exploration:

Young adults engage in a profound quest for self-identity.
They explore questions related to values, beliefs, and purpose.
This phase involves experimenting with different roles and life directions. Our clients have worked in a variety of roles specific to their interests, such as serving at local restaurants and coffee shops, apprenticing with mechanics, retail jobs at local clothing stores and bookstores, art museum guides, mentorships with fashion designers, and many more!

Self Focus:

This stage is characterized by a focus on personal growth and self-development.
Young adults prioritize their own goals and aspirations.
It’s a time for self-discovery and self-improvement. Our clients are creative and bright young adults who historically have pursued educational tracks in graphic design, creative arts, marine biology, engineering, and other vocational trades ranging from esthetics to carpentry.

Feeling In Between:

Emerging adults often feel “in between” adolescence and full-fledged adulthood.
They may not yet fully embrace adult responsibilities but have outgrown many aspects of their teenage years.
This transitional phase can lead to a sense of being betwixt and between.

Optimism:

Despite the challenges, many emerging young adults approach this phase with optimism.
They have high hopes for their future and believe they can achieve their goals.
This optimism can be a driving force for personal development and success.

Instability:

Emerging young adults often experience a sense of instability.
Uncertainty about the future and frequent life changes contribute to this feeling.
It’s a period marked by transitions in education, careers, and relationships.

Our Approach to Young Adult Treatment

The Cornerstones of Maine program is uniquely positioned to address the challenges faced by emerging young adults. Our approach focuses on managing symptomatic expressions while delving deeper into the underlying developmental issues our clients confront. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, we assist young adults in overcoming obstacles on their path to independence and self-discovery.

Emerging adulthood is a pivotal phase of development that demands a nuanced understanding of its unique features and challenges. At Cornerstones of Maine, we are committed to supporting emerging young adults as they navigate this transformative journey. By tailoring our approach to address the specific needs of each individual, we foster personal growth, resilience, and a brighter future during this critical phase of life.