Narrative Inquiry Describing Young Adult Perspectives About Leaving Residential Treatment as a Child

Empirical research exploring treatment outcomes among children in residential treatment centers (RTCs) is rare. Consequentially, there is an increasing demand for more studies examining such outcomes, particularly as they pertain to an individual's experience leaving an RTC. This transitional period is believed to be a salient component impacting mental health treatment outcomes. Yet, little is known about how this residential treatment component is experienced and whether it impacts individuals long-term. This narrative qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of young adults who transitioned out of an RTC as a child. Participants recounted their experiences before, during, and after this transition. Six participants who resided in an RTC as a child for at least six consecutive months recounted their life experiences, producing 26 hours of interview data. Data were transcribed, coded, and written in narrative and thematic form. Our analysis produced three themes: learned and used effective coping skills, developed impactful relationships, and difficult adjustment post-discharge.