In this paper, development during the adolescent period is considered from a counseling perspective. Although many of the issues of young adults continue to confront older adults, this paper discusses the issues that are special to this age group. It suggests that the emotional and social domain is best represented by the theory of Erikson, which states that the young adult stage focuses on the need to form significant personal relationships. The intimacy versus isolation dichotomy explained by Erikson represents a well-accepted view of one the major critical issues of this period. The works of Piaget and Arlen are used to discuss cognitive and intellectual development and how the young adult's thinking and learning process change and mature. Super's developmental theory of careers, which stresses the need to establish job stability, is used to describe one of the most important tasks of young adulthood. The moral and ethical domain also undergoes further maturation during the young adult period. Works by both Gilligan and Kohlberg are presented to show how moral thinking changes with age for both males and females. (Contains 15 references.) (JDM)