Understanding Failure to Launch
Why Some Young Adults Struggle To Launch
“Failure to Launch” is often used to describe young adults struggling to transition into adulthood—but the reality is more complex.
At Launch, we work with young people who are bright, capable, and full of potential. Mental health challenges and, in some cases, addiction have held them back from stepping into independence.
Growing up with constant internet access and limited real-world freedom, this generation has faced unique obstacles. Add in the aftermath of COVID, and many find themselves overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward.
Step #1 – Understanding your Journey as a Parent
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Failure to Launch 2025
The COVID Mental Health Aftermath
We don’t know of a widely-recognized term for young adults (18-35) who struggled to launch due to the COVID-19 era, but people sometimes refer to them in phrases like “pandemic generation,” “COVID cohort,” or “pandemic delayed adulthood.” The pandemic disrupted schooling, social development, and career opportunities, and many young people found themselves facing challenges in terms of education, mental health, and transitioning into independence.
About Our Founder
Jose Hernandez, for over a decade, has been involved in alcohol and addiction recovery helping people succeed in overcoming substance abuse and regaining control of their lives. He has experience in all aspects of the recovery world, from facilitating entry into treatment as an intervention specialist to counseling and case management at rehabilitation facilities. Jose has worked one-on-one with individuals as a sober companion and with groups as a resident counselor at addiction treatment centers and is certified by the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) to practice as a substance abuse counselor.
Through his professional experiences in crisis intervention, drug and alcohol detoxification, substance abuse counseling, and relapse prevention, Jose has developed a unique plan for case management that bridges the gap between a person’s painful past of substance abuse and a future of sobriety.
