Menu
Menu
Adolescence is a time of growth and change for the youth and their family. This can be especially true for those with chronic medical, psychiatric, or other health care needs. While parents typically take care of medical needs with their children, at 18 this is no longer automatically true. This makes transition planning in the healthcare system very important. Just like in the school system, this transition will be a journey and not a one-time event. As it may take some extra time planning and training, it is best to start early. The process should be completed by age 18
Healthcare transition is preparing youth to take more responsibility for their own health and health care. This transition may also include moving from pediatric to adult care providers.
The health care transition team should include the individual with special needs, family, medical professionals, care coordinators and other health care providers.
The earlier, the better! See these helpful resources for youth at different stages:
Sharing unique information about your youth can make a doctor or hospital visit a more positive experience. See a helpful guide here.
Got Transition offers families a comprehensive toolkit to prepare for the transition to adult healthcare.
AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit provides numerous resources for those on the Autism Spectrum and their health care providers.
The ideal time for beginning the health care transition process is at the beginning of adolescence, around 12-14 yrs. of age. It is important to speak with youth with disabilities and their families to discuss how your office can help them prepare for the transition process. There are several state and national groups that have developed transition toolkits and resources to help guide in this journey.
Supporting the Healthcare Transition from Adolescence to Adulthood in the Medical Home
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/5/e20182587/38577/Supporting-the-Health-Care-Transition-From
A Young Person’s Guide to Healthcare Transition
https://pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu/jaxhats/docs/envisioning_my_future_gray.pdf
Transition to Adulthood Services Resources
https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/transition-adulthood-services/health-resources
Primary Care Resources for Adults on the Autism Spectrum and Their Primary Care Providers https://autismandhealth.org/
CINCINNATI:
TrYAD Transition Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s
TrYAD supports families and primary care physicians during transition. The clinic sees individuals 15-24 years of age with mild to severe intellectual disabilities.
Phone 513-636-4611
UC Health’s Transition Care Clinic
UC’s Transition Care Clinic supports adolescents with developmental disabilities and/or complex health conditions as they transition into an adult healthcare system.
Phone 513-584-6982
COLUMBUS:
Center for Autism Services and Transition (CAST)
Primary care for adults with Autism Spectrum disorders
Phone 614-688-9220
For a directory that connects to local, state, national and international websites for youth with special health care needs, click here.
ORGANIZATIONS:
School Aged Autism & Developmental Clinic (OSU-Nisonger Center)
Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (Nationwide Children’s)
Child Development Center (Nationwide Children’s)
RESOURCES:
Puberty and Adolescence Resource
Depression in Children and Adolescents with ASD
Adolescence and Sexual Health: Healthy Bodies for Boys and Girls
Autism Center Grab and Go Interventions
Educational Identification of Autism
GENETIC DISORDERS CLINICS:
Dayton Children’s Hospital Phone 937-641-3800
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Phone 614-722-3535
DOWN SYNDROME
ORGANIZATIONS:
Nationwide Down Syndrome Clinic Children (Birth to 18) Phone 614-722-4050
OSU-Nisonger Center Adult Down Syndrome Clinic (Ages 18+) Phone 614-685-6701
National Down Syndrome Society
Miami Valley Down Syndrome Association
Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati
National Down Syndrome Congress
RESOURCES:
Children & Adolescent Down Syndrome Guidelines
Adult Down Syndrome Clinical Guidelines
WILLIAMS SYNDROME
ORGANIZATIONS:
Nationwide Children’s Williams Syndrome Clinic Phone 614-722-6115
RESOURCES
Health Care Supervision for Children With Williams Syndrome
SPINA BIFIDA
ORGANIZATIONS:
Nationwide Children’s Spina Bifida Program Phone 614-722-5725
RESOURCES:
Guidelines and Scientifically-Based Spina Bifida Care
CEREBAL PALSY
ORGANIZATIONS:
Nationwide Children’s Cerebral Palsy Program Phone 614-722-5136
RESOURCES:
Clinical Practice Guidelines: Cerebral Palsy
22q SYNDROME
ORGANIZATIONS:
Nationwide Children’s 22q Center Phone 614-962-6373
RESOURCES:
Pediatrics in Review: Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletions Syndrome
There are many behavioral health providers available in our local communities. Eligibility for services may depend on need, level of income, age, county of residence, and type of insurance. Individual questions are best answered by contacting a provider directly and asking about their application process.
Below are community mental health services. There are also many private counseling services available. Before selecting any provider, check with your individual insurance carrier for coverage.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255
Text HOME to 741741
24/7 Ohio Crisis Text Line:
Text 4hope to 741741
Foundations After Hours Phone Line:
800-567-HOPE (4673)
Foundations BHS is a community-based behavioral health provider serving Mercer County and surrounding areas. Their services are primarily billed to Medicaid/Medicare and/or private insurance companies. A sliding scale fee is available for those who reside in Mercer, Van Wert and Paulding counties.
Services Provided: Foundations provides mental health, substance use, medication, case management, school-based services and group counseling services, including summer programming.
Eligibility: New clients are asked to bring their insurance card, proof of household income and a photo ID. Individuals 18 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. New Client Open Access hours can be found here.
Getting Started: Teachers, parents/guardians, families, and potential clients can call into the agency or Clubhouse at any time. There is a Crisis Worker, an On-Call Therapist or Navigator who can answer questions and assist in getting started with services. Foundations staff are available to attend meetings to discuss services and assist with providing information to client/family/teachers, etc.
Contact Information:
4761 St. Rt. 29, Celina, Ohio 45822
Coleman Services offers comprehensive, whole person treatment for children, adults, and families through behavior health, residential, employment, and supportive services.
Services Provided: Coleman provides services for fostering recovery and crisis stabilization for mental health or addiction services.
Eligibility/Getting started: Contact Coleman for an initial appointment. New clients should bring their insurance card, proof of household income and a photo ID. Individuals 18 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Walk-In or Call-in Clinics available: Wednesday 1pm-5pm / Friday 8am-5pm
Contact Information:
St. Marys Location: 720 Armstrong Street, St. Marys, OH 45885
ACCESS Ohio is a behavioral health organization that provides personalized inpatient, residential and outpatient/community-based services for addiction and mental health for those with developmental disabilities. Services are provided to adults, adolescents, and children.
ACCESS Ohio offers telehealth services for those outside of Columbus with a referral through Mercer DD.
Services Provided: Treatment for mental health disorders and dual diagnosis. Anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar, Substance Abuse and Dual Diagnosis, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, etc.
Eligibility/Getting Started: An initial assessment will be completed in order to determine individual needs. For those with a dual diagnosis, a DD referral is needed for Telehealth services.
ACCESS accepts Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance.
Contact Information:
ACCESS Ohio Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
6400 E. Broad Street, Suite 400 Columbus, OH 43213
614-367-7700
Mercer County Quest
Discovering Your Path To Adulthood
567-890-1202
Menu