NexStep Teen Academy

Author Archives: Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC

  • Teen social-emotional development and intelligence

    Teen Social-Emotional Development and Intelligence

    Adolescence is a time of big changes. Teens undergo various physical, emotional, and psychological changes during this time. They become more independent and crave freedom. They also begin navigating complex social interactions such as romantic relationships, high school social dynamics, and adult responsibilities. Social and emotional development is a crucial part of growing up. This …

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  • Teen experiencing bipolar disorder mood episodes — depressive and manic phases

    Effects of Bipolar Disorder: What Does Bipolar Look Like in Teens?

    Bipolar disorder can be difficult to spot. However, it can affect your teen’s life in various ways. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition. It makes teenagers experience intense shifts in their energy levels, mood, and behavior. It causes teens to behave in risky and often unpredictable ways. According to the most recent statistics, …

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  • Teen girl and teen boy showing different bipolar disorder symptoms side by side

    Bipolar Disorder in Teen Girls vs. Teen Boys

    Bipolar disorder is not uncommon in teenagers. Although its median onset age is 25, bipolar disorder can manifest at any age. Studies indicate that it can manifest as early as 12 years old. Bipolar disorder is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four. These cases account for 53% of all …

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  • Teen attending intensive outpatient therapy session compared to standard outpatient visit

    Teen IOP vs. Standard Outpatient

    As a step-down approach, outpatient treatment is used for teens transitioning from hospitalization. Because of its flexibility, it allows teens to transition smoothly. Outpatient treatment offers different levels of care. Services like Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospitalization can be used to help teens who require additional support during treatment. This article aims to educate …

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  • Teen outpatient treatment session in Arizona showing clinician speaking with teen during mental health assessment.

    Teen Outpatient Treatment

    Over the past decade, more and more teenagers have been diagnosed with mental health conditions. As a parent or guardian, it can be disheartening to see your teen struggle with their mental health. It is important to get your teen enrolled in a treatment program to improve their mental health outcomes. Navigating various treatment options …

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  • Teen in counseling session discussing teen bipolar disorder symptoms with therapist in clinical supportive setting.

    Can Teens Have Bipolar Disorder?

    Many parents wrongly believe that teenagers cannot have bipolar disorder. This myth is prevalent because parents believe that symptoms of bipolar disorder are just normal teenage mood swings. As a parent or guardian, you should recognize the early signs of bipolar disorder. This will enable you to seek professional help for your teenager. This article …

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  • Parent comforting teen at home, shows need for Arizona teen mental health resources and support for struggling adolescents.

    Resources for Teens Struggling With Mental Health in Arizona

    Did you know that almost half of teenagers in the United States have a mental health condition? According to a recent survey, an estimated 49.5% of teenagers have a mental health condition. 22.2% of teenagers with a mental health disorder experience severe impairment. As a parent or guardian, these statistics can be worrying. And if …

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  • Teen girl sitting alone, shows teen bipolar depression symptoms like sadness, isolation and emotional distress in life events.

    Common Symptoms of Bipolar Depression in Teens

    Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition affecting many teenagers. This condition is characterized by drastic changes to your teen’s mood and energy levels. These intense mood swings can impair your teen’s daily life. Bipolar disorder symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even months. This is what distinguishes this condition from normal teenage …

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  • Stressed teen student holding head in hands at a desk, struggling with emotional problems affecting academic performance.

    Teen Academic Performance and Emotional Problems

    Emotional problems pose a threat to teen academic performance. Adolescence is a time of major emotional, psychological, and physical changes. At this stage, teens become more independent as they transition from childhood to adulthood. They also experience hormonal changes and the development of secondary sexual characteristics, which can be difficult to process. Due to the …

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