Mental Health Counseling Practices for Emerging Adults: A Grounded Theory Investigation

Emerging adults (18–29) are among the most vulnerable populations to mental health issues and the age group most likely to enter mental health services. Thus, it is critically important for mental health counselors to effectively work with emerging adults and address their unique needs. Despite this, there are no empirical models for counseling emerging adults. The authors of this study utilized grounded theory qualitative research methodology to interview two groups of participants: professional counselors ( n = 22) and emerging adult clients ( n = 10) who have been in counseling services to identify mental health counseling practices for emerging adults. Data from all participants ( N = 32) identified five major emerging adult counseling practices: safety, identity, psychoeducation, values, and validation.