It’s expected that children and their parents will clash from time to time. But if your teen is consistently exhibiting a pattern of anger, irritability and defiance, there may be a deeper issue.  Oppositional defiant disorder is a behavior condition where a teen displays a continuing pattern of uncooperative, defiant and even hostile conduct for longer

Around 10% of children and teens worldwide have a mental health condition, and these rates have only escalated in the last decade. Some experts are even calling it a mental health crisis. A number of mental health challenges may first appear sometime before adulthood. Common conditions include anxiety, depression, ADHD and behavioral issues. In fact,

If your teen is experiencing the effects of trauma, intervention is essential. Getting treatment for your teen can help them process their trauma and improve their mental wellness. Emotional trauma is typically caused by an intense negative event or series of events. Even once a traumatic experience has passed, the effects may be felt for

In the broadest sense, anxiety is an intense fear, worry or dread. These feelings are often connected to a specific situation, event or thought. While these emotions are all typical in moderation, they can become excessive. As a teenager, if you notice yourself feeling intense feelings of stress or worry all the time, these feelings

Everyone has a different mental health journey, and the solutions that work for one person may not work for another. This is true for children, teens and adults. As a parent or caregiver, it can be difficult to see your teen struggling with their mental health. It can also be frustrating when traditional treatments like

Chronic anxiety can be especially challenging for teens who are grappling with the complexities of adolescence. If your teen is experiencing excessive or irrational anxiety that interferes with their daily life you should consider talking with a behavioral health expert. It’s important to get the right type of support and guidance to help manage symptoms

Are you concerned that your teen may have depression? If your teen is dealing with the symptoms of depression, it is important to be proactive. Taking the right steps can help ensure that your teen gets the support they need. Not sure whether your child is showing signs of depression? By learning more about the

Join Embrace U and mental health advocates across Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, May 22 by wearing green to show your support for mental health. Let's turn Williamson County green and help raise awareness about mental health conditions, treatments, and the professionals who help those experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. All

The length of time that a teenager should be in therapy depends on several factors including their diagnosis, response to treatment, at-home support, and their connection with the therapist. It’s normal for parents to wonder how long it will take to see a significant reduction in symptoms of a mental health condition and a positive

Jessica Lavender, a licensed professional counselor, and administrator at Embrace U, talked with Lydia Thompson on the podcast "Counselor Off The Clock" about enabling vs. helping adolescents with a mental health condition and how symptom accommodation can actually make things worse. This might include keeping a child home from school as a way to manage

The idea of starting therapy can be unsettling for teenagers, especially if they are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. When a parent suggests that their teen needs to see a therapist it can trigger a range of reactions, from relief to shame or even defiance. Convincing teenagers to see

It’s common for teenagers in need of mental health treatment to start with one-on-one weekly therapy sessions. But when should parents consider more intensive treatment? We talked with local therapists about when to consider more acute interventions such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP). They provided insight into the signs