Thresholds, the largest Illinois community mental health provider, in partnership with the University of Illinois at Chicago Center on Mental Health Services Research and Policy and University of Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, in this intervention research project, will operationalize, implement, and test a provider-developed multidisciplinary care model for vulnerable adolescents and young adults (AYA) with psychiatric disabilities. The goal of the intervention, called “Emerge,” is to more effectively meet AYA developmental needs to improve service engagement, mental health and community integration. Drawing from Emerging Adulthood and Positive Youth Development theories, Emerge strategically blends community mental health evidence-based practices. Emerge is composed of a team of three Community Support Specialists, a Vocational Specialist, a Therapist, a Peer Mentor, a Prescriber and a Team Leader who together provide tailored, flexible “discovery-oriented” care to 50 AYA at any given time. Project objectives include: (1) operationalize Emerge through 4 stakeholder focus groups (n=32) and 2 structured workgroup processes; (2) train additional site in Emerge; (3) examine Emerge efficacy through conducting: (a) 4 fidelity assessments over 24-months and (b) a 12-month mixed-methods efficacy trial comparing service participation and psychosocial outcomes among 48 AYA enrolled in 3 Emerge sites and 48 matched AYA in treatment as usual; and (3) widely share generated knowledge and products. Anticipated outcomes include: (1) increased understanding and measurement of key Emerge change mechanisms; (2) increased AYA service engagement and community participation, and improved quality of life and wellbeing; (3) Emerge transferability to other sites. Expected products include an Emerge: (1) implementation manual, (2) fidelity scale, (3) virtual and in-person trainings, webinars and technical assistance, and (4) published journal manuscr
ipts and conference presentations on Emerge Model efficacy.
