Young Adult Residential & Transitional Living Programs

Residential Treatment, Transitional Living, & Aftercare

Young Adult Programs at Cornerstones of Maine

Growing up isn’t a straight line. For many young adults, the transition into independence feels more like a maze: full of false starts, overwhelming choices, and moments of hopelessness. If you or someone you love is feeling stuck, Cornerstones of Maine is here to show you the way out.

Our young adult programs are designed to meet you where you are and guide you toward where you want to be. Whether you're struggling with motivation, executive functioning, social connections, boundaries, or emotional challenges, our approach provides the structure, support, and real-world experience needed to build confidence, independence, and a meaningful future.

Young Adult Programs: A New Path Forward

At Cornerstones, progress isn’t about fixing something that’s broken. It’s about building on what’s possible. Our programs are designed for young adults of any gender expression (ages 18–30) who:

Are struggling with executive functioning skills like organization, motivation, decision-making, or follow-through.
Need help with independence and managing responsibilities like budgeting, cooking, and self-care.
Have anxiety, depression, ADHD, or social difficulties that make daily life overwhelming.
Have started and stopped school or work multiple times but want to find stability.
Need a structured environment to build confidence and develop skills at their own pace.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options.

Call Our Team

The Cornerstones Approach to Young Adult Care

The Cornerstones of Maine experience is not one-size-fits-all. We meet each young adult at their unique stage of readiness, offering the right balance of support and challenge to help them step forward with confidence. Founded and operated by clinicians, our entire program blends deep clinical roots with a vibrant, welcoming community.

Our Young Adult Continuum of Care

Our three-phase model allows young adults to transition at their own pace, with increasing levels of independence and real-world responsibility. While we offer a continuum of care, the majority of our clients join us at the Stepping Stone phase.

Foundation Stone: Residential Treatment Center

Young adults struggling with mental health or substance use challenges will find stabilization, intensive support, and a safe landing in our Foundation Stone program. Features include:

24/7 therapeutic support in a structured, home-like setting
Comprehensive mental health care—including individual and group therapy
Executive functioning coaching to improve organization and follow-through
Academic and vocational planning to build a roadmap for the future
Social and emotional skill-building to improve confidence and relationships

This phase focuses on stability and structure, allowing young adults to reset and prepare for the next steps toward independence.

Residential Treatment

Stepping Stone: Young Adult Transitional Living

The heart of Cornerstones, Stepping Stone is our transitional living community, where young adults practice real-world skills — while still receiving structured support. Here, we offer:

Collaborative living spaces with peers and professional staff for guidance
Daily life skills coaching (budgeting, meal planning, time management, self-care, etc.)
Career and education support—help with job applications, resumes, and school success
Personalized therapeutic support that adapts treatment plans to fit each person’s growth
Specialized neurodivergent-affirming programming in it's own house with an occupational therapist
A therapeutic community where young adults gain independence while staying connected

This phase is designed for young adults who need structure but are ready to start managing their own lives — even if they don’t know it yet!

Transitional Living

Touchstone: Aftercare & Independent Living Support

Transitioning into full independence can be daunting, which is why we offer aftercare services to keep young adults connected and supported after they leave our residential and transitional living programs. As they venture out on their own, they can still count on Cornerstones of Maine for:

Ongoing mentorship and coaching to maintain progress
Alumni community support and connection
Continued guidance on career, education, and independence

Whether someone is moving into their own apartment, going back to school, or starting a career, Touchstone provides a safety net to help them succeed long-term.

Aftercare

Evidence-Based Treatment & Personalized Support

At Cornerstones of Maine, we understand that no two young adults are the same — which is why we take an individualized, evidence-based approach to treatment. Our clinician-owned and -operated program integrates a wide range of modalities to help clients overcome any challenges on the way to independence. Our goal is to help clients build emotional resilience, improve executive functioning, and gain confidence as they transition into independent adult lives.

Therapeutic Modalities May Include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Clients learn how to identify unhelpful thought patterns and choose healthier coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Originally developed as a tool for managing suicidal ideation, DBT supports emotional regulation, distress tolerance, healthy communication, and mindfulness skills — especially helpful for anxiety, mood disorders, or difficulty managing emotions.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Young adults define their own values, set meaningful goals, and build a real motivation to change.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Helps clients learn how to accept their emotions and take actions that are coherent with their values.

Executive Functioning Coaching

Clients learn tools for organization, planning, decision-making, and self-discipline — especially helpful for those with ADHD or executive dysfunction.

Experiential & Milieu-Based Therapy

Staff members engage clients in real-world, hands-on experiences that build independence and resilience, including outdoor activities, volunteering, and skill-building exercises.

Trauma-Informed Care

Recognizes past trauma and incorporates safe, empowering interventions to support emotional regulation.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Clients explore how their personal histories can influence present behaviors and relationships — and where to go from there.

Medication Management (As Needed)

Licensed psychiatric providers provide support.

Family Systems Therapy

Helps parents and loved ones understand and support their child’s journey while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Mental Health Conditions We Treat

Cornerstones of Maine supports young adults dealing with a variety of mental health challenges, including:

Anxiety Disorders & Social Anxiety
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Avoidant & Dependent Personality Traits
Depression
Dysthymia
Emotional Dysregulation
Executive Dysfunction
Chronic Avoidance
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Mild to Moderate Substance Use Concerns
Mood Disorder
OCD
Panic Disorder
Trauma & PTSD

Want to learn more? Contact us today to see if our program is the right fit.

Why Cornerstones?

Real-World Readiness

We don’t just talk about independence; we practice it in a real-life setting, with plenty of safety nets.

Practical Life Skills

From grocery shopping to budgeting, to social confidence and laundry, we help young adults master the essentials of daily life.

Community & Connection

Our environment is structured but flexible, providing a safe space for growth while fostering genuine relationships between clients and staff.

Results That Last

Success isn’t just about getting through the program; it’s about sustaining progress in the real world. With ten years of experience watching alumni step into life, we’re confident that you or your loved one could be next.

What Success Looks Like

Speaking of success, we’re often asked about “success rates.” Success is personal, and means something different to everyone. To us, it can mean:

Returning to school or completing a degree
Landing a meaningful job and learning professional skills
Moving into independent housing with confidence
Developing meaningful relationships and social confidence
Building sustainable routines that support mental wellness

No matter what success looks like to you, we’re here to help you get there.

Take the First Step to a Better Future

You don’t have to do this alone. If you or your loved one is struggling to take that next step, Cornerstones of Maine is here to help. At Cornerstones, we don’t just help young adults transition—we help them step into life.