By definition, suicidal ideation defines the feelings one experiences when they want to take their own life or are thinking about and considering suicide. Suicide rates are alarmingly high among adolescents and teens in the United States. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of suicide for…

The best way to ensure your teen gets all they need from therapy is to ensure they feel comfortable asking their therapist for what they need while they are with them. This could be a matter of asking questions about how their treatment may progress or talking about the best ways for them to work…

Fear is a common emotion we all experience when there is a perceived threat to our sense of security or well-being. Sometimes, it can spur us to take action against the threat. Other times, it can cause us to do anything possible to avoid facing the threat or its causes. Fear is a common emotion…

Paranoid personality disorder or PPD is part of a group of conditions sometimes referred to as “cluster A” personality disorders. This group of personality disorders involves odd or eccentric ways of thinking. Teens with PPD also suffer from paranoia or an unwavering mistrust and suspicion of others, even when there is no reason to feel…

Leaving home and entering a residential treatment facility like Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center in Agoura Hills, California, can be a difficult, confusing, and stressful time for both the parents and the teen going to treatment. Before physically entering a residential treatment program, parents and teens will learn a lot about what to expect from their…

The fastest-growing drug problem in the United States is not cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines- it is prescription drugs. We often hear about celebrities and other well-known public figures struggling with addiction and see families and communities torn apart by the effects of widespread dependence on painkillers. But, what we often overlook is the reality that…

It is not uncommon in today’s technology-heavy environment to see pretty much everyone older than five wandering around with a cell phone in their hand. One need only look around a restaurant, a corner store, or school hallways to see the depth to which cellular technology has integrated itself into today’s teenagers’ lives. Cell phones…

For many years, traditional psychotherapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical-behavioral therapy (among others) have been used successfully as part of evidence-based treatment programs. In recent years, alternative treatment models have become popular mainstream and complementary elements for many mental health and addiction treatment needs. This is not to say the traditional therapy techniques…

For a parent, trying to determine if your teenager has been or is using drugs or alcohol can be hard and emotionally painful. There are several signs to look for if you are concerned that your teen may be using and needs addiction help. It can be challenging to face the fact that your teen…

According to data provided by the National Institutes of Mental Health, approximately seven percent of adults in the United States will experience symptoms of a major depressive disorder in any given year. Many of these individuals will only experience these symptoms once in their lives, typically directly related to a specific event. However, others with…