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NexStep Teen Academy

Author Archives: Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC

  • Teen sitting alone on a bed at night in emotional distress, reflecting signs that a teen cries alone at night.

    Teen Crying Alone at Night: Causes, Warning Signs, and Next Steps

    When a teen sobs by themself at night, parents should think about what the kid is requesting rather than just the cause. Teens who cry might be dealing with stress, emotional weariness, or the quiet weight of things they can’t quite put into words. Simultaneously, it may indicate a typical reaction to pressure that has …

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  • Teen sitting apart during a family gathering, reflecting why teens avoid holidays and birthdays due to emotional distress.

    Teen No Longer Wants Holidays or Birthdays Celebrated

    You might recall the year your son or daughter pushed for a huge birthday party or could not wait to string the holiday lights. Now they say they don’t want a cake, a song, or any celebration. You may feel hurt, confused, or a little rejected. You might wonder where things went wrong, or fear …

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  • Teen brother sitting with two siblings on a bench, representing siblings coping with teen brother crisis and family support.

    Helping Siblings Cope With a Teen Brother in Crisis

    Families prioritize stability and safety when a teen is experiencing a crisis. Siblings are frequently overlooked in that rush. They still live inside the same tension: disrupted routines, sharper moods, and conversations that stop when they enter the room. At NexStep Teen Academy, we see how this can shape siblings in quiet ways. Some become …

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  • 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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