How IEPs & 504 Plans Can Help Support Mental Health In School

teacher shares mental health IEP with teen

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…

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What to Do When Your Teen Refuses Treatment

parent talks to teen refusing behavioral health 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…

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Understanding Mental Health Levels of Care for Teens

teen girl talking to therapist during mental health treatment

Mental health treatment for teens can occur in a several environments and include a range of therapies and support services. When you understand the various mental health levels of care that are available for teens, you’ll be best prepared to choose the options that are best for your child.  At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, our…

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Substance Use & Mental Health In Teens

teen girl struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder

In addition to dealing with the typical trials and tribulations of adolescence, today’s younger generations have also endured a global pandemic, financial instability for many families, significant cultural shifts, and the negative effects of social media. These and many other factors have led to increased concerns about substance use and mental health in teens. At…

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Teen Mental Health Warning Signs: What Every Parent Should Know

Mother comforting daughter

If you’ve been watching your teenager more closely lately — wondering whether the withdrawal, the mood swings, or the dropped activities are just adolescence or something more — that instinct is worth listening to. Knowing your child’s baseline, and noticing when something shifts, is one of the most protective things a parent can do. Teen…

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Germaphobia in Teens (What to Look For)

teen washing hands excessively may have germaphobia

Most parents would be thrilled to have an adolescent who is committed to keeping themselves and their environment clean. But too much attention to these areas could be a warning sign of germaphobia in teens. Call Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center today at (800)275-1707 to learn more about teen mental health treatment in California. What Is…

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Recognizing Smiling Depression in Teens

teen with smiling depression

What is smiling depression, and what can you do to help a young person who has this condition? Call Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center at (800) 275-1707 today to learn more. What Is Smiling Depression? Smiling depression is an informal term to describe someone who has a depressive disorder, but who doesn’t exhibit obvious or easily…

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What is Teen Angst? Is it Normal?

teenage angst

Parents of teenagers know that at this age, a child can be quite adept at expressing dramatic feelings and springing from one emotional extreme to another. Teenage angst can create a lot of challenging moments in a young person’s life, with the fallout extending to their family and friends. While teens may be full of…

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Average Teen Screen Time: What’s Normal in 2026

teen cell phone addiction

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…

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Coping With a Disrespectful Teenager: 5 Tips

Serious teenage girl

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…

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