Teen Behavioral Health
Why Do Teens Cut Themselves?
Why do teens cut themselves? Cutting and other types of self-harm are dangerous behaviors that have many potential causes. Risk factors include having certain mental illnesses, struggling with overwhelming stress, and feeling that their life is spinning out of control. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we approach complex concerns such as cutting from a compassionate,…
Read MoreUnderstanding Sensory Issues in Teens
Sensory issues in teens are commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder, but they can be caused or worsened by a wide range of personal and environmental factors. Identifying the underlying influences can be an important step toward finding the right type of help for a teen who has been struggling with these types of challenges.…
Read MoreTop 5 Challenges Middle School Students Face
Adolescence is a time of growth, transition, and experimentation. It also frequently involves missteps, regrets, and unforeseen challenges. There’s no way to predict what your child’s experience will involve, but when you’re aware of the more common challenges middle school students face you’ll be better prepared to provide meaningful guidance and support. At Hillcrest Adolescent…
Read MoreSigns Your Teen is Too Reliant on Technology
From cellphones and smart watches to Chromebooks and ChatGPT, technology plays a major role in the in the lives of adolescents and teens today. But how much is too much? Are teens too reliant on technology? And how can you ensure that your child maintains a healthy on- and off-line balance? Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center…
Read MoreHow IEPs & 504 Plans Can Help Support Mental Health In School
Individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans are designed to prevent young people from being denied an appropriate education on the basis of various physical, cognitive, and psychological concerns. Though these plans are often primarily focused on instructional services and class policies; 504 or IEP mental health support can also be crucial to a student’s…
Read MoreWhat to Do When Your Teen Refuses Treatment
A teen refusing to finish their homework can cause a minor family conflict. But a teen refusing treatment for a mental health concern can become a major problem. The good news is that parents have an array of options to help their child understand the value of getting help when they need it. At Hillcrest…
Read MoreAggressive Behavior in Teens: Causes, Signs & What to Do
Most teenagers are moody, irritable, and occasionally explosive. But when ordinary teenage anger tips over into aggression, it can be frightening, and it leaves a lot of parents asking the same two questions: Is this just a phase, or is something deeper going on? And what am I supposed to do in the moment? This…
Read MoreAverage Teen Screen Time: What’s Normal in 2026
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…
Read MoreCoping With a Disrespectful Teenager: 5 Tips
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…
Read MoreAdolescent Coping Skills: Tips for Parents
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…
Read More