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NexStep Teen Academy

Author Archives: Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC

  • Teen in counseling session illustrating therapy cost for teens, mental health support options, and treatment guidance.

    How Much is Therapy for Teens?

    Therapy is the primary treatment for most mental health conditions. With the steady rise in the number of teens struggling with their mental health, it is important to seek professional help. It is estimated that over 20.17% of teens have depression, and 13.16% have had serious thoughts about suicide. Therapy equips teenagers with the appropriate skills …

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  • Teen in therapy session discussing cost of teen behavioral health treatment in Arizona with counselor during consultation.

    How Much Does Teen Behavioral Health Treatment in Arizona Cost?

    Teen behavioral health issues are continuously increasing in Arizona. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six U.S. teens aged 6–17 experiences a mental health disorder each year. In Arizona alone, as of 2021, suicide was the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10–24. Despite these heartbreaking numbers, most families still struggle to …

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  • Best Anxiety Coping Skills for Teens

    Best Anxiety Coping Skills for Teens

    As a parent of an anxious teen, it can be heartbreaking to watch your teen struggle with the debilitating effects of anxiety. However, anxiety is treatable and manageable. You can teach your teen how to cope with the symptoms of anxiety. Developing a ‘coping mechanism toolbox’ can help your teen alleviate the stress caused by …

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  • Teen showing distress while a caregiver offers support, illustrating separation anxiety in teens and its emotional impact.

    Understanding Separation Anxiety in Teens

    Separation anxiety is a normal part of development. It usually occurs in infants when they are separated from their primary caregiver. Symptoms of separation anxiety in children typically improve by the time they are three years old. However, the symptoms can persist through your child’s teen years and well into adulthood.  Separation anxiety disorder causes …

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  • Teen leaning against wall showing emotional distress, common signs of trauma in teens affecting mood and behavior.

    Common Signs of Trauma in Teens

    Trauma is a strong emotional reaction to a disturbing event. While strong responses are normal, some teens may feel “stuck” or unable to move on. This difficulty can disrupt their daily routines or normal functioning. Research indicates that about 14% to 43% of boys and 15% to 43% of girls experience a form of trauma. Teens …

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  • Split image showing two sides of a teen, one calm and one distressed, representing common signs of bipolar disorder in teens.

    Most Common Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Teens

    Did you know that around 2.9% of teenagers in the United States have bipolar disorder? However, this number could be much higher. According to Mental Health America, an estimated one-third of teens with depression may actually have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is underrecognized and underdiagnosed among teenagers.  In fact, bipolar disorder was rarely diagnosed in teenagers until …

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  • Teen sitting distressed on floor while parents argue in background, reflecting signs of repressed childhood trauma in teens.

    Signs of Repressed Childhood Trauma in Teens

    Did you know that about 80.5% of teenagers have experienced an adverse childhood experience (ACE)? These experiences are often referred to as childhood trauma. They include experiences like physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Based on the statistics, it is likely that your teenager has experienced at least one ACE in their lifetime. Many teenagers who experience …

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  • Teen reflecting while reading, symbolizing trauma coping skills, emotional healing, mindfulness, and recovery.

    Trauma Coping Skills for Teens

    Trauma is an extreme emotional and psychological disturbance caused by an event. Teens who undergo physical and emotional abuse or major life changes like the loss of a loved one may experience trauma. Findings show that 1% to 6% of boys and 3% to 15% of girls with past trauma develop PTSD. Healthy coping strategies help …

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  • Teen sitting alone with a smartphone; shows the connection between social media and teen depression and effects on wellbeing.

    The Connection Between Social Media & Teen Depression

    Social media use has grown significantly since its introduction and has become a new “normal” among many teens. At least 95% of 13-17-year-olds use social media, with more than 31% reporting “almost constant” use. These platforms are easy to access, making them readily available to adolescents and even younger children with smartphones. With this growing use, …

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