Treating Young Adults and Their Unique Needs
At The Family Recovery Institute (FRI) in San Rafael, California, we specialize in therapy for young adults, ages 18–35, who are navigating the complex and often overwhelming transition into adulthood. This stage of life can bring significant challenges, from substance abuse and mental health issues to employment struggles, relationship difficulties, and identity confusion.
We provide evidence-based, individualized treatment for young adults facing these issues—offering both individual therapy and group therapy to help our young clients move forward with resilience, purpose, and a stronger sense of self.
Therapy for Young Adults in San Rafael, CA
Young adulthood is a critical period for personal development, but it’s also when many people face their first major emotional and behavioral health challenges. Without the right support, these challenges can derail progress toward independence, fulfillment, and stability.
Common Issues We Treat in Young Adults:
Addiction and Substance Abuse
We provide addiction treatment for young adults struggling with alcohol, cannabis, opioids/opiates, prescription drugs, and other substances. Many young adults use substances to self-medicate and cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, or social pressure. Our integrated therapy model addresses both the addiction and the underlying emotional pain that fuels it.
Anxiety and Depression
Mental health disorders including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depression, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder often emerge during young adulthood. These illnesses often interfere with school, work, family dynamics, and relationships. Our clinicians provide trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment that promotes symptom management and healing.
Failure to Launch
Many young adults face difficulty moving forward in life, especially if they struggle with executive functioning, low motivation and self-esteem, or internalized shame. We help young adults develop structure, self-confidence, and the emotional maturity needed to launch into their adult selves.
Relationship and Family Conflicts
Romantic, peer, and family relationships are often sources of stress and challenges for young adults. We support clients in building healthy boundaries, navigating conflict, and healing from attachment wounds and toxic relational patterns.
Employment and Academic Difficulties
Many young adults experience job loss, burnout, or decision paralysis around education or career paths. These struggles are often rooted in deeper self-worth issues, trauma, or anxiety. Our clinicians help young adults identify their personal strengths, set achievable goals, and take manageable steps forward.
Identity, Purpose, and Self-Esteem Issues
In young adult therapy, we explore questions such as: Who am I? What do I value? What do I want my life to look like? Our therapists help these young clients develop a clear, authentic sense of identity, purpose, and direction.
Our Therapeutic Approach
At The Family Recovery Institute, our therapeutic approach is warm, relational, and personalized. We understand that young adults’ mental health requires more than just symptom reduction—it demands attention to personal development, relationships, and long-term resilience.
Individual Therapy for Young Adults
In one-on-one therapy, we help young adults work through trauma, mental health challenges, and behavioral patterns that hold them back. Our therapists use a combination of:
Psychodramatic therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Family systems therapy
Motivational interviewing
Every session is tailored to the unique emotional and developmental needs of the individual.
Group Therapy for Young Adults
Group therapy is a powerful tool for growth and connection. Our young adult therapy groups create a safe, structured space for participants to:
Share experiences and challenges
Learn interpersonal and communication skills
Give and receive support
Reduce isolation and build community
Therapeutic groups are led by licensed clinicians and often complement individual therapy.
Learn more about our new specialized group therapy for young men here.
Why Choose FRI?
Located in the heart of San Rafael, CA, The Family Recovery Institute is a trusted provider of young adult therapy in Marin County. We collaborate closely with families when appropriate and believe that long-term change is possible when treatment addresses the whole person—not just their symptoms.
We serve clients from all over the Bay Area, including Novato, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Mill Valley, Petaluma, and San Francisco.
Contact Us Today
With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Perlmutter and the experienced team of clinicians at FRI combine psychodynamics, family systems therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, peer support, and spiritual methods to help our clients achieve their goals. This is often long-term challenging work. We pride ourselves on our ability to help people with complex conditions and difficult circumstances.
Please call 415-322-0939 for a phone consultation or complete our form to schedule an appointment.