Mental Health | Adolescent Counseling Services

Navigating Social Media: A Guide for Parents

in Depression / Disordered Eating / Mental Health / Monitoring Media / Perfectionism / Setting Boundaries / Social Media / Teen Privacy / Teen self-esteem / Teen Self-Image / Teens and Technology by Adolescent Counseling Services April 2, 2025March 26, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Julia Rumb, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program PEOPLE HAVE REALIZEDmore than ever that social media is a big part of a teenagers’ life. However, social networks can be useful as they foster connection and belonging, while at the same time it presents specific dangers to mental health, body image, and self-esteem. […]

How to Support Your Friends in Times of Need

in Emotional Intelligence / Friendships / Mental Health / Relationships by Adolescent Counseling Services March 19, 2025March 26, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Catherine Franco, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program SUPPORTING YOUR FRIENDSduring tough times can be essential, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether they’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or personal challenges, knowing how to be there for them is crucial. Here are some tips to help you support your friends. 1. Listen Actively […]

How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide and Self-Harm

in Cutting / Depression / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Self-Harm / Suicide / Suicide Prevention by Adolescent Counseling Services March 12, 2025March 10, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Holly Fitch, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program TALKING ABOUT SUICIDEand self-harm may be intimidating, but it is a crucial conversation to have with your child. Both suicide and self-harm are becoming increasingly common for children and adolescents. The goal of these conversations is to be open and understanding, while also taking steps […]

Navigating Mental Health Challenges as a First-Generation Student

in Academic Stress / Cultural Stressors / Depression / Identity Formation / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Perfectionism / Self care / Stress / Stress Management / Teen Development / Teen self-esteem by Adolescent Counseling Services February 19, 2025February 18, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Dania Coreas Zamora, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program IF YOU ARE THEfirst person in your family to be born in this country and are the first person to be able to attend college, then you may have heard of the term “first generation”. For many different cultural communities, being a first-generation […]

Understanding Suicide Prevention for Middle Schoolers: The Role of Social Media

in Anxiety / Bullying / Cyberbullying / Facebook / Mental Health / Middle School Behavior / Monitoring Media / Online Monitoring / Online Safety / Parenting / Self care / Self-Harm / Setting Boundaries / Social Media / Social Media Abuse / Suicide / Teen Self-Image / Teens and Technology by Adolescent Counseling Services February 5, 2025February 3, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Kaera Spencer-Peterson, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program AS OUR WORLDbecomes increasingly internet-based, middle schoolers engaging with others on social media platforms can be both enriching and challenging. Social media is a significant part of their lives, offering avenues for connection and expression. However, it also poses risks, particularly when it comes […]

When Growing Pains Aren’t Just Growing Pains: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know

in Mental Health / Parenting by Adolescent Counseling Services January 22, 2025February 26, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Hunter Fredericksen, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program WHETHER YOU AREa caregiver or not, witnessing a child in pain is a heart wrenching experience. There is a profound and inherent sense of helplessness when a child complains about illness, pain, and discomfort. My parents recall my complaints of pain beginning around age 4, […]

The Impact of Social Media on Teen Social Anxiety: What Families Should Know

in Anxiety / Behavioral Norms / Cyberbullying / Mental Health / Monitoring Media / Online Monitoring / Parenting / Social Anxiety / Social Media / Social Media Abuse / Teen Development / Teen self-esteem / Teen Self-Image / Teens and Technology by Adolescent Counseling Services January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Tracy Kraft, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program IN TODAY’S DIGITAL WORLD,social media has become a vital tool for teenagers to connect with their peers, share their experiences, and express themselves. While it offers benefits such as social support and online companionship, research increasingly shows that social media can contribute to mental […]

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Children

in Anger Management / Emotional Intelligence / Emotional Regulation / Emotional Regulation / Mental Health / Parent Role Models / Parent Tips / Parenting / Stress Management / Teaching Mindfulness by Adolescent Counseling Services October 23, 2024October 18, 2024 0 comments

Written By: Daniel Stepanian, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCEis a vital interpersonal skill for both children and adults. It is the ability to name, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as identify the emotions of those around us. High emotional intelligence helps kids navigate their ever-changing social environment and […]

How to Recognize a Child in Crisis and Intervene Appropriately

in Anger Management / Behavioral Norms / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Stress / Stress Management / Teen Therapy by Adolescent Counseling Services April 17, 2023April 14, 2023 0 comments

Written By: Andrew Cecil, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Adolescent Substance Addiction Treatment Program IT IS COMMONfor parents to feel concerned about their child’s well-being when they notice things like poor academic performance, substance use, and unhealthy relationships. However, few parents are as familiar with the behavioral signs of a crisis. A crisis refers to a […]

Supporting Teens on Social Media

in Cultural Stressors / Facebook / Mental Health / Middle School Behavior / Monitoring Media / Online Monitoring / Online Privacy / Online Safety / Parent Tips / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Self care / Social Media Abuse / Stress / Teen Apps / Teen Peer Groups / Teen Privacy / Teens and Technology / Twitter by Adolescent Counseling Services September 28, 2022September 22, 2022 0 comments

Written By: Michael Burks, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program TECHNOLOGYand social media play complex roles in the lives of teenagers. Teens are at a developmental stage where social relationships have foremost importance in their lives. Social relationships and group memberships contribute to identity formation and self-esteem. Social media has tremendous value to teens. […]