
Drug Street Slang Your Teenager May Use
As a parent, staying informed about your teen’s world can be a challenge—especially when it comes to issues surrounding substance use. One of the biggest obstacles is the ever-changing language

Can A Summer Camp for “Troubled Teens” Help My Adolescent?
Today’s teenagers are facing unprecedented challenges. Recent studies show that a staggering 50 percent of high schoolers report feeling helpless, believing they “can’t do anything” to improve their situations. This

Understanding Summer Slide: Teen Learning Loss and Mental Health Risks
As the school year concludes, many teens anticipate a break from academic responsibilities. However, this period of unstructured time can lead to the “summer slide,” a phenomenon where students experience

Understanding Kleptomania In Teens
Teen years are filled with emotional ups and downs, shifting identities, and challenges that sometimes manifest in unexpected behaviors. One behavior that can confuse and concern parents is stealing—especially when

Teen Mood Swings or Depression? How to Tell
Being a teenager comes with its fair share of ups and downs. Between changing hormones, social pressures, academic stress, and the quest for independence, it’s no wonder teens can seem

Teen Sadness vs. Depression: Understanding the Difference
Teenagers often ride an emotional roller coaster—one moment they’re laughing with friends, and the next, they’re shutting themselves in their room. This emotional intensity is a normal part of adolescence,

Understanding Ayahuasca: A Guide for Parents and Teens
At Hillcrest Adolescent Center, we recognize the importance of providing families with accurate, science-based information about substances that may impact youth development. In recent years, ayahuasca has emerged from its

Trichotillomania in Teens
If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver noticing that a teen is frequently pulling out their hair—whether it’s from their scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes—you may be witnessing signs of a

Is It Normal For A Teenager to Have a Stuffed Animal?
In today’s world, where teens are navigating pressures from academics, peers, and the internet, it’s easy to forget that they’re still growing emotionally. One question that often surprises parents is: