Therapy is a useful tool for individuals who are working through past trauma and learning how to manage mental illnesses. At Ascend Healthcare, we incorporate talk therapy into treatment plans for every teen in our care. Sometimes, teens have therapy independently, but we also incorporate the entire family structure with family therapy sessions. If you’re…
Misinformation about mental health is rampant and causes a lot of damage to people who should be seeking treatment. For teens, especially, mental health myths can be misleading and harmful. One way to break down the stigma surrounding mental health conditions is to ensure you’re informed. Knowing the facts about mental health can help you…
Is there anything better than having the best of the best at your side? At Ascend, we strive to ensure that everyone that joins our team is absolutely stellar. One of our most important team members, and staff spotlight of the month, is Dr. Lisa Acosta. A California girl who graduated cum laude with a…
Have you noticed that your teen seems more anxious than usual in social situations? Do they avoid activities with friends and stay away from family gatherings? They might be struggling with social anxiety. If you’re wondering what you can do, Ascend is here with some answers. Read this blog to learn more about helping teens…
Teenagers are notorious for always being on their phones, tablets, or other devices. Talking with friends, posting on social media, and playing games can take up a large chunk of their time. But could this habit be hurting them? For some teens, anxiety and social media go hand-in-hand. For others, compulsive use of their devices…
In today’s world, bad news can feel incessant. The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, mass shootings seem to occur in every corner of the country, and the political divide is deeper than ever. For teens, growing up in this environment of bad news can be stressful — especially when articles are shared on social media…
Taking risks is a normal part of growing up. Trying out for a role in the school play, making new friends, or even sampling a new food are all healthy risks that teens might take. However, for some teens, the process of testing boundaries and maturing as independent adults leads to unsafe behaviors. Risky behavior…
Teens who struggle with trauma disorders can have difficulty succeeding in school, forming healthy relationships, and developing into independent, mature adults. However, specialized treatment programs can help teens who have experienced traumatic events heal. Understanding what trauma triggers are can help you support your teen as they work through the impact of past trauma and…
Social media is inescapable in our modern world. The vast majority of teens and even adults in the United States use social media to connect with others and share parts of their lives. However, there can be a dark side to social media that affects teen mental health in a negative way. Social media obsession,…
What is gender dysphoria? If your teen has expressed discomfort with their body or a desire to be treated as a different gender, it’s possible that they are experiencing gender dysphoria. It can be difficult for teens who struggle with their gender identity to come to a place of self-acceptance, leading them to struggle internally…