Gifts for Teens With Anxiety

Art therapy

Finding the right gifts for teens with anxiety can feel challenging—especially when you want to offer something meaningful, supportive, and genuinely helpful rather than another item that collects dust. Anxiety in teens is more common than many parents and caregivers realize, and it often shows up in ways that affect daily life, confidence, relationships, and…

Read More

Teen Suicide Statistics, Risk Factors & Ways To Find Help

teen girl gazing out window

Teen suicide is one of the most heartbreaking—and preventable—public health crises facing families today. Over the past decade, the number of teens reporting severe emotional distress has climbed sharply, and suicide has become one of the leading causes of death among adolescents in the United States. Behind these statistics are young people who are overwhelmed…

Read More

Handling Back-to-School Anxiety: For Parents

back to school anxiety hillcrest

Back-to-school season can feel like an emotional rollercoaster for parents and teens alike. While the first day of school is often pictured as exciting and full of fresh opportunities, for many families it’s also a time marked by worry, uncertainty, and heightened stress. These feelings—especially when they’re intense or persistent—fall under what’s often called back-to-school…

Read More

The Difference Between Stress and Distress in Teenagers

Stress and Distress in Teenagers

Teenagers today navigate a world filled with academic pressure, social challenges, family expectations, and the influence of social media. It is natural for them to experience stress, which can be a healthy motivator when managed properly. However, when stress becomes persistent and overwhelming, it can turn into distress, which negatively affects their mental, emotional, and…

Read More

The Affect of Bullying on Teenagers

empty school room showing signs of teen truancy

How does bullying affect teens? Bullying is an unfortunate reality for many teenagers, with lasting effects that extend far beyond childhood. Whether it takes the form of verbal taunts, social exclusion, cyberbullying, or physical aggression, bullying can have a profound impact on a teen’s mental and emotional well-being. In today’s digital age, where social media…

Read More

Teen Truancy: The Causes, Consequences & Mental Health Impact

empty school room showing signs of teen truancy

Teen truancy is a growing concern for parents, educators, and mental health professionals. When a teenager frequently skips school without valid reasons, it can signal deeper issues that need to be addressed. While some may assume truancy is simply rebellious behavior, it is often a symptom of underlying emotional, social, or psychological struggles. Truancy can…

Read More

What Is Adolescent Egocentrism?

teen child struggling with parent sitting with their child during family therapy discussing what is adolescent egocentrism

Adolescence is a time of profound growth and self-discovery, but it’s also a period marked by intense self-focus and heightened emotions. One of the key psychological traits that emerge during this stage is adolescent egocentrism—a concept that describes how teens often see themselves as the center of attention and believe their experiences are unique or…

Read More

Are Teen Curfews Good For Mental Health?

mother speaking with her son about are teen curfews good for mental health

For many parents, setting a curfew for their teenagers is a standard part of maintaining structure and safety. But beyond the usual reasons for implementing curfews—such as reducing risky behavior and ensuring adequate rest—many wonder: Are teen curfews good for mental health? Curfews are often associated with discipline and responsibility, but they can also play…

Read More

What is Lighthouse Parenting?

family practicing lighthouse parenting

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet demanding roles a person can take on. Every parent strives to protect their child while also encouraging independence and personal growth. However, striking the right balance between guidance and freedom can be challenging. This is where Lighthouse Parenting comes in—a parenting approach that fosters support, structure, and…

Read More

Signs of Neurodivergence: Is My Teen Neurodivergent?

cartoon image of therapist sitting with their female client that is showing signs of neurodivergence

Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in brain functioning that affect how individuals process information, respond to stimuli, and interact with their environment. It includes conditions like autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome. These differences are not deficits but unique ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world. Recognizing the signs of neurodivergence…

Read More