Counseling program for former foster youth
Free, supportive therapy for youth transitioning out of foster care
If you’re 16–21 and have been in foster care, you deserve someone who will listen and help you sort through what you’re carrying. Youth in Transition can connect you with a free, licensed therapist through secure telehealth, so you can talk from a place that feels comfortable.
You don’t have to handle this alone
A steady person in your corner
Life during and after foster care can feel like everything changes at once—where you live, who you can count on, what happens after school, and what comes next. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, angry, numb, or unsure of who to trust. This counseling program is here to give you a consistent, supportive therapist who is focused on you—not judging you or grading your life. It’s free, and it’s built around what you want help with. Sessions are usually done by secure video so it’s easier to fit into your schedule.
How it works
Simple steps, clear support
Getting started is straightforward: you reach out, have a short intake conversation, and then get matched with a therapist who fits your needs. You can share preferences—like therapist style, identity preferences, or what you want to focus on—so the match feels more comfortable.
Therapy is confidential, with a few safety exceptions that your therapist will explain clearly at the beginning. The goal is to create a space where you can talk honestly, learn coping tools, and build stability through a major life transition. If you try it and it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can ask for help adjusting the match. If you are in immediate danger or feel like you might hurt yourself, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.) or 911 right away.
What you can expect
Support that’s free, flexible, and focused on you
You don’t have to know exactly what to say to start—showing up is enough. Here’s what the program is designed to provide.
Free counseling with a licensed therapist
You’ll be matched with a professional who is licensed and screened. They volunteer because they want to support youth transitioning out of foster care.
Telehealth sessions
Most sessions happen by secure video so you can meet from home, school, or another private space. This makes it easier to stay consistent even if transportation is hard.
Help with real-life stress
Therapy can support anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, anger, relationships, school or work pressure, and big transitions. You and your therapist decide what you want to focus on.
A steady connection over time
Many young people have had adults come and go, and trust can be hard. This is built to give you a consistent person who keeps showing up.
Easy steps to begin
Step 1: Reach out. Step 2: Short intake chat. Step 3: Match with a therapist. Step 4: Choose a regular time and start sessions.
FAQs
Questions youth often ask first
Who can join Youth in Transition counseling?
This is designed for young people who are around ages 16–21 who have been in foster care and want support during a transition stage. You don’t need to have everything “figured out” to qualify. You just need to be willing to show up and participate in counseling. If you’re unsure whether you fit, reach out and a coordinator can talk it through with you.
How much does it cost?
It’s free. You won’t be asked for insurance, and you won’t be billed for sessions. The program exists so cost doesn’t become the reason you go without support. If you have questions about what’s included, you can ask during the intake conversation.
Is it private and confidential?
Yes—therapy is confidential, with a few safety exceptions that your therapist will explain clearly. The goal is to give you a space where you can speak honestly without feeling judged. Your therapist is there to support you, not to control your choices. If something feels confusing about privacy, you can ask for a clear explanation at any time.
What if I don’t trust people easily?
That makes sense, especially if you’ve had adults come and go. You don’t have to share everything at once—trust can build slowly over time. The program focuses on consistency, so you aren’t starting over with a new person every few weeks. If the match doesn’t feel comfortable, you can ask for help finding a better fit.
What kinds of things can I talk about in therapy?
Anything that’s weighing on you—stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, trauma, relationships, school, work, housing, or planning for adulthood. You can also talk about goals, confidence, and learning coping skills for day-to-day life. Your therapist will follow your lead and help you organize what feels messy or overwhelming. Over time, many people find it easier to handle big emotions and make decisions with more clarity.