Failure to Launch: Practical Ways to Empower Young Adults
1/3 of young adults live with their parents. Discover actionable strategies for empowering young people to break free from the struggle of “Failure to Launch.”
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Series Overview
Failure to Launch (FTL): What It Is and Why It’s So Prevalent 13 Min
Failure to launch is not actually a “failure.” Dr. Judy debunks the “failure to launch” phenomenon, why it’s more prevalent than ever, and what demographics are most likely to experience it.
The 5 Major Mental Health Causes of FTL and How to Intervene 11 Min
Dr. Judy walks through the most common mental health conditions that lead to a failure to launch. She also explains how failure to launch can become a self-fulfilling prophecy - and how to avoid that prophecy.
The Key Signs That Professional Help for FTL Is Needed 10 Min
Dr. Judy provides a comprehensive overview of major behavioral, emotional, and physiological indicators that professional help is needed in an FTL situation. She also explains whether laziness really is a factor in most Failure to Launch scenarios.
How to Communicate and Take Action During an FTL Situation 15 Min
Dr. Judy breaks down key strategies for effectively communicating with your teenager or adult child in an FTL situation. She also explains what NOT to do in this situation and how to avoid enabling your loved one.
Mental Health Treatment during FTL: Best Options and Where to Find it 12 Min
What do you treat first, the co-occurring mental health issue or the Failure to Launch situation? Dr. Judy shares this important information in this session. She explains exactly what you should look for in a provider, what types of treatment to seek out, and other essential skills for working through FTL.
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About the Series
The number of adults living with their parents is rising every year. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one-fourth of those aged 25-34 living in their parents’ homes neither go to school nor go to work. In 2016, more young adults lived with their parents than with a spouse.
This increasingly common “Failure to Launch” (FTL) phenomenon is partly due to a variety of socioeconomic factors such as a lack of employment opportunities and the high cost of education/housing. However, very frequently, an untreated mental health problem is an underlying cause.
According to triple Board Certified neuropsychologist, Dr. Judy Ho, Failure to Launch is not a “failure” at all. It often boils down to a lack of knowledge of how to take the next, right step. In this actionable series, Dr. Judy sheds light on those next steps that can work for you or your loved one in order to break free from the stronghold of FTL.
Failure to Launch can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, and the parents of these young adults are often wrongfully criticized for being overindulgent. FTL is a serious problem that causes anguish and despair in thousands of families every day. This is why the FTL phenomenon, and its intersectional tie-in to mental health, needs to be addressed.
This strategy-packed series not only addressed the issue; it provides actionable strategies that parents and loved ones can implement right away.
Who is this series for?

Those struggling with a failure to launch will better understand the mental health causes and impacts of FTL - and how to work through them.

Parents and loved ones of young adults struggling with Failure to Launch will gain action-packed, empowering strategies for combating FTL.
Additionally, healthcare workers and helping professionals will be better equipped to help families struggling from a Failure to Launch situation.
In this series, you’ll discover:
- How to spot whether a mental health condition is triggering a “Failure to launch” situation, or vice versa
- An in-depth understanding of why symptoms of certain mental health conditions cause someone to remain dependent on their parents
- Why a young adult facing FTL may be resistant to change due to the powerful, negative concept known as “anxiety and accommodation”
- Specific steps to take to manage Failure to Launch during every step of the process
- When and how to involve a mental health professional
- How to avoid the most common, ineffective approaches family members use in an FTL situation
“This is the time where any mental health issues will emerge...we need to deal with it, we need to talk about it, there’s so much stigma around it… oftentimes it just takes the right tools, time, and awareness before they get back on their feet.”
Triple Board Certified Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, Ph.D.
Start Watching This Series Now!
You can get free access to all 5 segments of this video series when you become a MedCircle Member. You’ll also get access to every video series from the MedCircle doctors.