NexStep Teen Academy

Author Archives: Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC

  • Teen sneaking out through a door, illustrating 7 proven steps for parents to prevent teens from sneaking out.

    How to Stop Teen Sneaking Out: 7 Proven Steps

    While adolescence may be an exciting phase for teenagers, parents may not feel the same way. The need for independence, peer pressure, and rebellion witnessed in adolescents may trigger parental stress, anxiety, and concern. One of the most common issues parents face is teens sneaking out. If not handled well, this behavior may feel like …

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  • Teens engaging in substance use indoors, highlighting the dangers of vaping and drug abuse in adolescents.

    Teen Substance Abuse Prevention (Vaping to Drugs Guide)

    Drug use among young adults is a growing concern, making teen substance abuse prevention necessary. While vaping devices may seem less severe, studies have established that they can lead to nicotine addiction and make teenagers more susceptible to other drugs. Vaping can, therefore, act as a gateway to experimenting with stronger drugs.  To safeguard teenagers’ …

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  • Stressed teen covering ears amid parents arguing, highlighting family dynamics’ role in risky teen behaviors.

    High-Risk Teen Behavior – Parent Prevention Guide

    Risk-taking is part of growing up. As teens age, they begin to explore new frontiers and test boundaries. They become more adventurous, impulsive, and thrill-seeking as their brains develop and they start to form a personal identity. They begin expressing stronger opinions on certain matters, take on more responsibility, and become independent young adults. To …

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  • Teen girl attends virtual therapy session on a laptop, supporting teen emotional wellness through digital support.

    Teen Digital Emotional Wellness and Support

    Digital emotional wellness is the state of being emotionally balanced and healthy in the increasingly online space. Since teenagers often spend most of their days online, digital emotional wellness is crucial for their growth. Technology can influence how your teen processes emotions, views themselves and interacts with people around them. Besides these perks, the online …

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  • Doctor speaking with a smiling teenage girl during consultation, illustrating supportive care in a teen PHP mental health program.

    Benefits of Teen PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program)

    Mental health treatment is often broken down into two categories: inpatient and outpatient. Partial Hospitalization Programs, popularly known as PHPs, are the highest level of outpatient mental health treatment available in the United States. A teen PHP program is designed for teens whose needs would not allow them to be enrolled in a residential treatment program. …

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  • Teen boy in counseling session with therapist discussing partial hospitalization program requirements.

    Teen PHP Requirements

    A teen partial hospitalization program is an outpatient mental health treatment that balances the intensity of residential treatment and the flexibility of outpatient treatment. It is the highest level of outpatient care designed to provide structure and stability. PHP offers a cost-effective way to treat serious mental health conditions in teens. This article goes over the requirements …

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  • Two medical professionals discussing Teen PHP costs with a hospitalized teen patient in a healthcare setting.

    How Much Does a Teen PHP Cost?

    One of the key factors affecting the accessibility of mental health treatment is the cost. As a parent or guardian, you might not get your teen the help they need because of finances. The cost of treatment varies depending on factors like location, program type, and treatment length. Teen partial Hospitalization Programs offer the highest level of …

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  • Group therapy session with teens and counselor, illustrating the duration and structure of Teen PHP treatment programs.

    How Long Does Teen PHP Last?

    Mental health treatment is crucial for your teen’s overall health. Enrolling your teen in the right program ensures they overcome their mental health challenges. Teen Partial Hospitalization Programs have become popular over the years. They combine the intensity of inpatient care and the flexibility of outpatient care. When you enroll your teen in a PHP, they will …

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  • Teen on a couch looks distressed, holding a phone in one hand and clutching his head with the other after reading messages.

    Teen Emotional Cyberbullying Signs

    Online and social media platforms have improved teen communication and socialization. However, they have also made it easier for bullies to access their victims. 46% of US teenagers aged 13-17 reported experiencing one form of cyberbullying or another in a 2022 study. Cyberbullying can be defined as online harassment or humiliation that is advanced through …

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