Facilitating Transition Between Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry: Patient and Parent Experiences from a Jointly Run Ward for 16-25-Year-Olds in Germany

Background: Young people in the transition from adolescence to adulthood face particular challenges in psychiatric care. Continuity of treatment is often disrupted, as services are typically divided between child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry. Few frameworks provide age-appropriate, integrated care for individuals aged 16–25. In Germany, a model project was established to address this gap. It offers treatment tailored to this age group within a cross-sector, integrated care model that combines outpatient and inpatient services under a jointly run ward staffed by both child and adolescent psychiatrists and adult psychiatrists. This study explores the distinctive features of this integrated adolescent ward and examines the experiences of patients and their parents. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 patients and 7 parents. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, focusing on three domains: (1) framework conditions and access to care, (2) the concept and content of treatment, and (3) the environment of the integrated adolescent ward. Results: Participants particularly valued the individualized therapeutic approach, flexible treatment across different settings, and transparent, responsive communication by staff. Age homogeneity and a focus on adolescence facilitated mutual identification and supportive peer interactions. Opportunities for self-determination and participation were also emphasized as important. Conclusion: Findings suggest that specific structural elements contribute to the ward being perceived as an age-appropriate therapeutic environment. Further research should identify and define specific care components of integrated treatment for young people aged 16–25 to enable replication and evaluation of its implementation.