Congenital Heart Disease Young Adult Transition Program
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Why choose us for young adult congenital heart disease (CHD) care?
Parents often spend years managing their child's heart health. As your child grows, you want to begin helping them take responsibility for their care. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we work with you to prepare your child for this new stage.
We help teens and young adults understand their condition, recognize what it means for adulthood and take a more active role in their care. Families stay involved as roles change, with guidance shaped around each young person's strengths and needs.
Young adults continue to receive highly specialized heart expertise as they move into adult care. Our transition team works closely with UCSF adult congenital specialists to create clear next steps and provide support as young adults' medical and everyday needs evolve.
Why choose us for young adult congenital heart disease (CHD) care?
Parents often spend years managing their child's heart health. As your child grows, you want to begin helping them take responsibility for their care. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we work with you to prepare your child for this new stage.
We help teens and young adults understand their condition, recognize what it means for adulthood and take a more active role in their care. Families stay involved as roles change, with guidance shaped around each young person's strengths and needs.
Young adults continue to receive highly specialized heart expertise as they move into adult care. Our transition team works closely with UCSF adult congenital specialists to create clear next steps and provide support as young adults' medical and everyday needs evolve.
Support matched to each person
We get to know each young person's needs and goals, then connect them with the right guidance and adult resources.Dedicated transition experts
Coordinators, nurses and program staff across pediatric and adult programs guide young adults through the handoff.Planning for life beyond pediatrics
Preparation builds the practical skills young adults need to navigate all aspects of health care.Nationally accredited adult care
UCSF's adult congenital program holds Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) Comprehensive Care Center accreditation for specialized lifelong heart care.
Building skills for adult life
Managing congenital heart disease as an adult involves more than making and attending appointments. Young people need practical skills to navigate health care and make informed decisions.
Our team helps them practice skills they can use throughout adulthood, including how to:
Manage medications, appointments and other health needs
Ask questions and speak up during medical visits
Understand insurance and health coverage
Plan for college, training or employment
Make healthy choices that protect long-term well-being
Know when and how to seek medical support
Support beyond cardiology
UCSF connects young adults and families with resources for needs that extend beyond managing a heart condition.
The Wellness Center for Youth With Chronic Conditions offers life-skills education, financial workshops and peer support. These resources can build confidence as they navigate everyday adult responsibilities.
Our transition team also works with UCSF primary care providers so young adults can connect with the broader care they need in adulthood.
We welcome young people and families to explore our adult congenital heart disease program and education before pediatric care ends. Learning about adult care early can make the next stage more familiar and easier to navigate.
Providers
Katherine Rita Peters, NP, MS
Pediatrics
Turner Wiley Ingrassia, NP
Cardiology • Cardiac Surgery
Awards & achievements
Best in Northern California for cardiology & heart surgery
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease
- Care Transitions
- Congenital Heart Disease
Treatments
- Cardiovascular Care
- Transition of Youth with Special Care Needs
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.