The pre-teen and teenage years can be one of the most challenging and difficult ages to navigate through, for themselves and families. In fact, today pre-teens and teenagers face unprecedented stress and pressures that differ from previous generations. Generation alpha, informed by their experiences with the pandemic, are thought to be more aware of mental health concerns. 

Despite the decrease in stigma surrounding mental health care for the younger generations, certain mental health concerns have increased for young people in recent years. According to the Department of HHS, an estimated 49.5 percent of adolescents have had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. This generation has unprecedented access to technology and information as smartphones, artificial intelligence, social media, and youth-oriented platforms are part of daily life. Social media and electronic communication have exacerbated challenges with appropriate social interactions, conflict management, and peer relationships. This has resulted in being behind academically and in terms of social maturity as screens serve as their gateway for education, entertainment, socialization, friendship, and family connection.

Some of the challenges pre-teens and teens face are:

• Challenges managing behavior 

• Lack of focus and attention

• Struggles with prioritizing and organization

• Feelings of isolation and loneliness

• Difficulties socializing and with relationships

• Issues with self-confidence and self-harm

• Confusion about sex and sexual identity

• Increase in social anxiety and depression

• Stressors of school violence and bullying

• Increase access to drugs resulting in substance abuse

We provide a multifaceted approach including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

By also focusing on the open communication and involvement of parents and family members, we strive to build a successful support system and proper accountability for real long-term results. We have a dedicated program tailored to the unique needs of pre-teens and teens as they navigate through their experiences and create a solid foundation for adulthood. We provide a judgment-free experience based on authentic compassionate “real talk” so they can truly trust and be themselves in therapy to uncover the root of their challenges.