Transition Planning
That Supports Teens and Families in Amesbury, MA
Adolescence brings change, growth, and new possibilities—but for many families, it also brings uncertainty. Preparing for adulthood can feel overwhelming when a teen needs extra support with independence, communication, or executive functioning. At Rally Behavioral, our transition planning services are designed to help teens move toward adulthood with confidence while supporting families through every step of the process.
Located in Amesbury, MA, Rally Behavioral brings more than 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families. Our approach to transition planning is strength-based, future-focused, and deeply personal. We believe every teen deserves a plan that reflects who they are—not a checklist of expectations that doesn’t fit real life.
What Is Transition Planning?
Transition planning is a structured yet flexible process that helps adolescents prepare for life beyond childhood. At Rally Behavioral, transition planning focuses on building practical skills while honoring each teen’s goals, interests, and vision for the future.
Rather than focusing on limitations, our work emphasizes independence, self-advocacy, communication, and problem-solving. Plans are designed collaboratively with the teen and family, ensuring that the process feels empowering rather than overwhelming.
How Transition Planning Supports Adolescents
Transition planning services at Rally Behavioral address the real-life skills teens need to thrive in adulthood.
Building Independence and Life Skills
Teens develop skills related to daily living, time management, decision-making, and personal responsibility. These skills are taught in ways that are practical, relevant, and respectful of the teen’s pace.
Strengthening Executive Functioning
We support teens in building organization, planning, task initiation, and emotional flexibility—skills that are critical for success in school, work, and community settings.
Developing Communication and Self-Advocacy
Teens learn how to express their needs, preferences, and goals with confidence. Self-advocacy skills empower teens to take ownership of their future and participate meaningfully in decisions that affect them.
Supporting Emotional Readiness
Transition planning includes support for emotional regulation, resilience, and coping with change. We recognize that emotional readiness is just as important as practical skill development.
Transition Planning Services at Rally Behavioral
Our transition planning services are individualized and tailored to each teen’s strengths, needs, and goals. Services may include:
- Individual Transition Planning Sessions
- One-on-one support focused on future readiness
- Goal-setting aligned with the teen’s interests and values
- Collaborative involvement of families
- Executive Functioning Support
- Strategies for organization, planning, and follow-through
- Tools for managing responsibilities and expectations
- Skill-building that promotes independence
- Self-Advocacy and Communication Coaching
- Support expressing needs in school, work, and community settings
- Confidence-building for decision-making and independence
- Preparation for meetings and transitions
- Family Guidance and Planning
- Support for families navigating next steps
- Conversations around independence, expectations, and support needs
- Alignment of family goals with the teen’s vision
Transition planning services are typically offered on a private pay basis, allowing for flexible, short-term, or consultation-based support.
Our Transition Planning Process
Step 1: Understanding the Teen’s Vision
We begin by learning about the teen’s interests, strengths, and goals. Their voice is central to the planning process.
Step 2: Collaborative Goal Development
Together with the teen and family, we identify realistic, meaningful goals that support future independence.
Step 3: Skill Development and Practice
Sessions focus on building and practicing skills in ways that are relevant to the teen’s daily life and future plans.
Step 4: Ongoing Support and Adjustment
Plans evolve as teens grow. We regularly revisit goals, celebrate progress, and adapt strategies as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What age is appropriate for transition planning?
A: Transition planning typically begins in early to mid-adolescence, often around ages 12–18, depending on the teen’s needs and goals.
Q: Does transition planning replace school-based transition services?
A: No. Our services complement school-based planning by providing individualized, family-centered support that focuses on real-life skills and self-advocacy.
Q: Is transition planning covered by insurance?
A: Transition planning services are generally offered on a private pay basis. We provide clear information about rates during intake.
Q: How involved are families in the process?
A: Families are actively involved. We believe collaboration ensures that plans are realistic, supportive, and aligned with the teen’s home environment.
Q: Can transition planning support teens with different diagnoses?
A: Yes. We support teens with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, and other developmental or emotional needs.
Call (978) 666-9266 today to learn more about transition planning and schedule a consultation.