NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—In response to the growing demand for mental health services, Hoag Hospital has launched a young adults mental health program. Developed by neurobehavioral health experts at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute, the accredited outpatient program is meant to address the impact of pandemic shutdowns on mental health of young adults aged 18-26. The eight-week program will meet in person, three days a week, helping participants to build relationship skills, which experts say can improve efficacy in school, work, and interpersonal situations. Mental health advocates have said the challenges of transitioning into adulthood have been compounded with the abnormal effects of the pandemic, resulting in a significant rise in depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mood-related disorders or mental health issues. “Everyone’s suffering, whether it’s mom, dad, siblings… I’ve never been this busy before, not even close,” physiatrist and program director Dr. Sina Safahieh told the Epoch Times. Experts at Hoag …