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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

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
Read More

Depression is one of the most treatable mental disorders. When it comes to teen depression, treatment options range from one-on-one therapy to hospitalization. More than 80% of people diagnosed with depression respond well to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Depression is one of
Read More

Recognizing the symptoms of teen depression can be difficult. It’s estimated that 16% of children ages 12 to 17 will experience at least one episode of major depressive disorder, according to Mental Health America. If left untreated, teen depression can have a range of adverse mental and physical effects from interfering with their grades and
Read More

There are essentially two recommended levels of treatment for children and teens experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of a mental health disorder — residential treatment (hospitalization), and structured outpatient programs. Identifying the appropriate level of treatment for a mental health disorder depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and treatment goals. Let’s explore the differences
Read More

Therapists who treat adolescents are often asked, “How long will it take for therapy to work?” The answer depends on several factors including a patient’s diagnosis, treatment goals, and treatment intensity. The amount of therapy sessions needed before a child or teen experiences a significant decrease in symptoms varies. Of course, parents, their children, and
Read More