Teen Behavioral Health

Being a teenager is already complicated. Between academic pressure, social dynamics, changing bodies, and the quest for identity, adolescence can feel like a roller coaster. But what happens when your teen’s “moodiness” starts to feel like something more serious? Teen depression is a real and growing concern. According to the CDC, rates of depressive episodes…

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 teens use to describe drugs and drug-related behaviors. “Street slang” is often designed to be covert, allowing teens to talk about risky behavior right under…

Most people associate childhood with play, learning, and carefree moments. But for some children, the responsibilities of adulthood come far too early. This phenomenon—known as parentification—is when a child is forced to take on roles or emotional burdens that should belong to the adults in their life. Parentification often goes unnoticed because it can appear…

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 it seems compulsive or without reason. If your teen is consistently taking things they don’t need or even want, it might be more than just…

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 like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster. But when does “normal” teenage moodiness cross the line into something more serious like depression? For parents and caregivers,…

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, driven by hormonal changes, evolving identities, and social pressures. But how can parents or caregivers tell the difference between typical teen sadness and something more…

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 traditional contexts into mainstream awareness, appearing in media, celebrity testimonials, and social platforms frequented by teens. This guide addresses what parents and teens should know…

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 condition called trichotillomania. While it might seem like a bad habit or a form of stress relief, trichotillomania is a recognized mental health disorder that…