Objectives: Deaf adolescents suffer with many of the same psychiatric illnesses as their hearing counterparts. However, throughout the United States and Europe, access to mental health care is often limited by problems with language and cultural barriers. The objective of this symposium is to educate physicians about evidence based treatment interventions to meet the unique health care needs of their psychiatrically ill deaf patients in a manner that helps them transition successfully to young adulthood.

Methods: This presentation aims to present a discussion of the unique challenges in meeting the mental health needs of deaf youth. The symposium consists of five psychiatric specialists from three countries (US, Spain and the Netherlands) with expertise in treating Deaf adolescents and adults. The speakers will take the participants step by step through the psychiatric assessment and treatment of deaf youth with the aim of helping them to transition successfully into healthy young adults.

Results: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will have a better understanding of the barriers to access to care and the challenges facing deaf patients. Participants will understand the importance of language and cultural considerations in treating deaf individuals. Participants will learn how to successfully help their deaf adolescent patients transition to adults.

Conclusions: Psychiatrists from the United States and Europe attending this presentation will be in a better position to provide optimal psychiatric services to deaf and hard of hearing youth as they transition from adolescence to young adulthood.