Top 5 Challenges Middle School Students Face

middle school building

Adolescence is a time of growth, transition, and experimentation. It also frequently involves missteps, regrets, and unforeseen challenges. There’s no way to predict what your child’s experience will involve, but when you’re aware of the more common challenges middle school students face you’ll be better prepared to provide meaningful guidance and support. At Hillcrest Adolescent…

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Signs Your Teen is Too Reliant on Technology

teen using cell phone may be too reliant on technology

From cellphones and smart watches to Chromebooks and ChatGPT, technology plays a major role in the in the lives of adolescents and teens today. But how much is too much? Are teens too reliant on technology? And how can you ensure that your child maintains a healthy on- and off-line balance? Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center…

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How To Deal With A Teenager That Doesn’t Care About Anything

bored teenager who doesn't care about anything stares at phone

One of the many challenges of parenting is trying to decide how to deal with a teenager that doesn’t care about anything. Occasional episodes of defiance or ambivalence are far from uncommon among adolescents and teens. But if this attitude persists or intensifies, that could be a sign of a serious problem. Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment…

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How IEPs & 504 Plans Can Help Support Mental Health In School

teacher shares mental health IEP with teen

Individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans are designed to prevent young people from being denied an appropriate education on the basis of various physical, cognitive, and psychological concerns. Though these plans are often primarily focused on instructional services and class policies; 504 or IEP mental health support can also be crucial to a student’s…

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What to Do When Your Teen Refuses Treatment

parent talks to teen refusing behavioral health treatment

A teen refusing to finish their homework can cause a minor family conflict. But a teen refusing treatment for a mental health concern can become a major problem. The good news is that parents have an array of options to help their child understand the value of getting help when they need it. At Hillcrest…

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How To Talk To Your Teen About Treatment

how to talk to your teen about treatment

Most parents we talk to have already made the hard decision by the time they pick up the phone. What’s holding them up isn’t whether their teen needs treatment. It’s how to say it out loud. You may be worried your teen will feel punished. That they’ll shut down, run, or never trust you again.…

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Understanding Mental Health Levels of Care for Teens

teen girl talking to therapist during mental health treatment

Mental health treatment for teens can occur in a several environments and include a range of therapies and support services. When you understand the various mental health levels of care that are available for teens, you’ll be best prepared to choose the options that are best for your child.  At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, our…

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How to Set Boundaries With a Struggling Teen

parent talking with and setting boundaries with teen

Setting boundaries with teens is a way to reinforce your family’s core values and establish clear expectations before a problem occurs. Though testing limits is a natural part of adolescent development, teens who are incapable of respecting boundaries may be exhibiting signs of ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, or another mental health concern. At Hillcrest Adolescent…

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Substance Use & Mental Health In Teens

teen girl struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder

In addition to dealing with the typical trials and tribulations of adolescence, today’s younger generations have also endured a global pandemic, financial instability for many families, significant cultural shifts, and the negative effects of social media. These and many other factors have led to increased concerns about substance use and mental health in teens. At…

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Types of Anxiety Medications for Teens

anti-anxiety medications tablets

For many teens with anxiety, prescription medications have proved to be safe and effective sources of lasting relief.  Call Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today at 800-275-1707 to learn more about teen anxiety treatment in California. Understanding Teen Anxiety Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns among adolescents and teens in the U.S.…

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