New Guidelines for Psychology’s Role in Pediatric-to-Adult Health Care Transitions

For the 40% of youth who receive care for a chronic health condition, many face challenges as they transition from pediatric to adult care. The APA’s Guidelines for Psychology’s Role in Pediatric to Adult Health Care Transition detail psychologists’ roles in facilitating the transfer to adult care. This article will explore the challenges young adult patients face during health care transitions, outline key elements of effective transition plans—including the risks associated with inadequate planning—and highlight the role psychologists can play in supporting this process. Copyright 2025.

After reading the CE Corner article, you will be asked to complete a “Commitment-to-Change” (CTC) exercise. The CTC exercise is designed to help facilitate the translation of your learning into practice. Completion of the CTC is required prior to the completion of the CE Test based on the APA Monitor CE Corner article.

This product is not included in the APA Unlimited CE program.

New York state psychologists: This program is not currently in compliance with the unique requirements imposed by the New York State Board of Education for New York licensed psychologists CE.

• Describe the challenges young adult patients face when transitioning from pediatric care to adult health care.
• Discuss the features of successful health care transitions and the potential risks associated with a less successful transition process.
• Describe the roles that psychologists can play in facilitating the successful transition to adult care.

Kirsten Weir