Young adult issues, which may arise in those who are in their late teens and early twenties, may consist of difficulties with peers, sexual or developmental concerns, school or career challenges, family differences, and so on.

 Because the rapid and numerous changes often characterizing this period may be overwhelming, young people may find therapy services beneficial as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

The young adult period is characterized by quick physiological, sexual, cognitive, and emotional changes. Many young adults also move into new adult roles and responsibilities: They may begin higher education studies, enter the workforce, move away from home, or start a family. They may be expected to accept responsibility for themselves legally, make decisions for themselves, and—in many cases—are often encouraged to begin supporting themselves financially. They are developing a sense of identity.  Most young adults strive for a desire to achieve independence while still remaining closely linked to one's family, in order to obtain support when necessary.

Many factors indicate the transition from young adult to independent adult now takes more time than it did in the past, when youth who had completed high school were often considered ready for employment, marriage, and other aspects of settled adult life.

Many young adults embrace this transition period and enjoy the time spent exploring possibilities for the future, obtaining higher education, and pursuing friendships and/or intimate relationships. Some young adults may find their entry into adult responsibilities overwhelming or confusing, though they may still enjoy the experience. This overwhelm and confusion, along with changes in biological, psychological, and social development, may help contribute to the development of major depression, the rates of which are shown to increase for this age group.

Research suggests that the transition to adulthood now typically takes longer than in previous decades. Greater access to post-secondary education and a wider range of opportunities have greatly increased a person's options, and expectations regarding the steps a person should take after finishing high school or college are not as clear-cut. Higher education can be viewed as an indicator of the ways societal expectations of young adults have changed in recent history. Obtaining higher education is believed by many to have a significant positive impact on an individual's development and future choices. 

In the United States, importance is often placed on one's ability to obtain full-time employment, become financially responsible, maintain an independent household, and support a family. Societal expectations can leave some young adults feeling pressured to make lifelong decisions before they are ready. As a result, some young adults may face anxiety and experience troublesome thoughts about their future.

Many serious mental health conditions can emerge in the late teens and early twenties, further complicating an already difficult period of life. Mental health conditions such as bipolar and schizophrenia, among others, may be diagnosable around this time. Other common issues that young adults are often vulnerable to include substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. (SAMHSA) found that the onset of most mental health issues occur in young adulthood, and young adults were identified as experiencing concerns such as psychological distress, major depressive episodes, and alcohol or substance abuse problems at higher rates.

Many young adults also experience a change in or challenges to their world views. As young adults enter new academic settings, new social circles, or new workplace environments, beliefs and values held throughout childhood may be questioned by others from different backgrounds or challenged by new ideas.

Young adults also have a high risk for suicide. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death in Americans between the ages of 15 and 24. 

Young adults may often find the support of a therapist to be helpful during the transition from adolescence into adulthood, especially if they experience mental health concerns or other difficulties as they become accustomed to new expectations, roles, and responsibilities.