Program FAQs

Who are your members? 

Our members are between 18-30+ years old. We welcome all genders. OT members are kind, accepting, affirming, bright & motivated to live on their own. They desire and are ready to be a part of the changes needed in their lives. They have insight into, motivation towards, and a willingness to master learning to live more independently.

Who will help me find an apartment?

We do! If you are coming directly to us from home, wilderness, another program, or anywhere else, you might want to consider our immediate short-term housing at our Guest House (space permitting). We also work with members from wherever they are prior to enrollment to find and secure an apartment.

OT is, and always has been, a non-residential program. We know that finding and securing an apartment is a necessary independent-living skill for all young adults. New OT members can jump right into the program while working with our staff to find and secure the apartment that is just right for them based on their personal preferences and resources.

What challenges are common for your members?

Our members typically have had, or are experiencing, one or a combination of the following challenges: mild-to-moderate forms of anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive functioning and autonomy struggles, social difficulties, deflated confidence, and a lack of meaningful friendships. We are not an appropriate program for young adults with primary substance abuse.

What are some common goals of your members?

Common member goals include getting a job and continuing to build on work experience, enrolling in higher education classes, working toward personal goals around executive functions, base wellness, and living a more independent and value-driven life. Members also work on their individual/family therapeutic process, building healthy and sustainable relationships. 

Where do members live?

Members, usually with the support of their families, choose their own housing options when moving to the Portland, ME area. Our members do not live “on campus” or with OT staff. Housing options vary, and apartments are selected based on individual preferences and resources available to the member. Take a look at what’s available now in Portland.

What is your length of stay?

Approximately 12 months. This is both the average time recommended to complete program work, as well as the length of a standard lease when renting an apartment. We also have a step-down program called Neighbors for those who have made steady progress toward their goals, but no longer need the breadth of services OT provides.

How do members get around town?

Some members bring their cars to Portland. Portland is a very walkable city and has great public transportation. We provide a corporate UBER account for all members to get to and from their apartment to the Pine House, or the Guest House. We also run 2 shuttles daily for apartment pick-ups and drop-offs.

Do you have any requirements for member participation?

OT requires all members to commit to personal safety and agree to communicate with us during times of struggle or hardship. This is especially important for those who have a history of isolation. We also expect our members to be kind and affirming to others, both within our OT community and the broader Portland community where we work and live.

What is your substance policy?

All members are asked to commit to our harm reduction model approach to the use of substances and in other areas of their lives. We do not forbid or disallow the use of substances, but rather seek to support members in achieving their goals of living a balanced life through harm-reduction methods and education.

Am I able to travel during my time at Onward Transitions?

Yes. We understand there may be times when members want to travel. We ask for you to have your family’s support ahead of committing to travel plans, and for you to communicate those plans with us in advance. We’ve learned that travel for longer than a week can be difficult to come back from and is sometimes disruptive to a member’s treatment progress.

Am I responsible for my living expenses?

Yes. Members, typically with the support of their family, are responsible for parts of their living costs, including portions of their rent, utilities, transportation, and food. OT does supplement food costs by providing 10 meals (and unlimited snacks) per week, as well as grocery store gift cards.

How much independence and autonomy do your members have?

Your time and day-to-day activities are up to you. We encourage members to attend and participate in as many clinical and coaching sessions as possible, based on their other scheduled commitments and personal goals. We are here to assist in augmenting your skills and expertise around living independently but look to you to drive the process. 

How much time do members spend at Onward Transitions each week?

Members typically spend about 20 hours per week engaged in OT programming in the beginning. Thinking of OT as a part-time job, something you do about half the time gives a good feel for how often you can expect to be here, interacting with staff and other members.

How many hours of therapy do your members receive on a weekly basis?

OT offers a minimum of 1 hour of individual therapy each week. There are also 4 scheduled hours of clinician-led group therapy, as well as time devoted to identified family work each week. Additionally, members have other coaching group sessions focused on executive function, budgeting, ADLs, apartment consults, and base wellness.

How do staff check in with members?

Each member has primary contact with one of our coaching staff. All members receive a daily check-in message from their primary contact staff person, M-F. It is the member’s responsibility to set up appointments either in-person, through HIPAA-compliant chat programs, or by phone calls. We use Google Workplace chat and video apps for constant communication throughout the day. Channels for general chat, individual members and staff, activities, shuttle schedules, pet photos, meal attendance, and many others keep everyone informed. Additionally, the members have their own channel which keeps them connected during the evening and weekend hours to coordinate plans outside of programming.

Where do members go/what do they do after finishing the program?

Approximately 20% of our members choose to continue living in the Portland area. Typically, these members have found full-time employment they enjoy, or may have enrolled in one of our five area colleges, and wish to continue with their education. Members may also choose to return to colleges across the country, to their former or new hometowns, while continuing on their path to a full and meaningful life lived according to their values and goals.