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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Germaphobia in Teens (What to Look For)

teen washing hands excessively may have germaphobia

Most parents would be thrilled to have an adolescent who is committed to keeping themselves and their environment clean. But too much attention to these areas could be a warning sign of germaphobia in teens. Call Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today at (800)275-1707 to learn more about teen mental health treatment in California. What Is…

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Understanding Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome

parent with Munchausen by proxy syndrome

Munchausen by proxy is an extremely rare and widely misunderstood mental health condition that is characterized by medical deception and abusive behaviors toward a child.  Contact Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today to learn more about our teen mental health treatment programs. What Is Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome? Before we dive into the details of Munchausen…

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Recognizing Smiling Depression in Teens

teen with smiling depression

What is smiling depression, and what can you do to help a young person who has this condition? Call Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center at (800) 275-1707 today to learn more. What Is Smiling Depression? Smiling depression is an informal term to describe someone who has a depressive disorder, but who doesn’t exhibit obvious or easily…

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What is Teen Angst? Is it Normal?

teenage angst

Parents of teenagers know that at this age, a child can be quite adept at expressing dramatic feelings and springing from one emotional extreme to another. Teenage angst can create a lot of challenging moments in a young person’s life, with the fallout extending to their family and friends. While teens may be full of…

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Average Teen Screen Time: What’s Normal in 2026

teen cell phone addiction

Kids today do not know a world without screen time options. They are growing up with computers, smartphones, social media, and streaming services for music, television, and film. What might surprise some parents is the average screen time for teens has increased dramatically to the point it makes up a large amount of how they…

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Coping With a Disrespectful Teenager: 5 Tips

Serious teenage girl

We all remember what it was like to be a teenager who thought we knew it all and found input from adults tiresome, but what happens when we become the parents of teenagers? Being on the other side of this parent/child exchange can be confusing and leave parents wondering what average teenage behavior is and…

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Adolescent Coping Skills: Tips for Parents

mother and daughter after going through therapy to find out father standing over his child showing what is a helicopter parent

Teenagers face a mountain of challenges and often struggle with learning how to face each of them. When they lack an effective adolescent coping strategy, it can lead to difficult emotions, poor choices, and a lack of hope. Hillcrest provides residential and outpatient programs for young people who have lost their way and need help…

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