Mental Health

It might sound like a contradiction, but smiling depression is very real and often very difficult to spot – especially in teens.  Also referred to as high-functioning depression, this condition is characterized by depression that is masked by a smiley, happy exterior. Its symptoms are so atypical that teens may be able to effectively hide […]

A Parents’ Guide to Teen Anxiety and How to Best Support Them When we consider what causes anxiety in teens, we must remember anxiety doesn’t have a single cause—it emerges from a complex interplay of factors affecting mental, physical, and emotional well-being.  Notably, understanding the causes of anxiety in teenagers can give parents and caregivers

We often think of burnout as a condition affecting overworked adults, but teenage burnout is a very real – and sometimes very serious – problem.  Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and/or emotional exhaustion caused by an ongoing stressful situation. For teens, this can be an overloaded schedule, high expectations, or overwhelming social pressure.

If you want to understand teen drug use, you need to understand why teens use drugs in the first place.  The teen years can be a tumultuous time. While not all teens will use drugs to cope, statistics show that 21.3% of 8th graders have tried illicit drugs at least once, and that number jumps

When it comes to adolescent mental health treatment, family therapy for teens is often just as important as individual and group therapy for a sustained recovery.  Family plays a crucial role in the teen years. And if a teenager is struggling with their mental health, the love, support, and involvement of trusted family members can

Group therapy is considered a good option for teens seeking mental health support, but what is group therapy, and is it really right for everyone? At The Ridge RTC, group therapy is used alongside individual counseling and holistic therapies to help teens overcome issues related to depression, anxiety, trauma disorders, co-occurring disorders, and other serious

When you’re a teen, holiday stress management isn’t usually the top concern of the season. But should it be?  If you’re struggling to enjoy the holidays due to anxiety, fatigue, irritability, or other mental or physical symptoms of stress, you’re not alone. This can be a super stressful time for everyone, teens included. With so

We’re fortunate to live in a time when discussions about our mental and emotional well-being are becoming increasingly open and progressive, especially among our youth. In the past, stigmas and stereotypes often prevented these important conversations. Today, however, we can speak more freely about how these aspects impact our daily lives. With more and more

Mental health treatment for teens exists on a spectrum, with some options more intensive than others. If your child is struggling, it’s important that you know what’s available – and what might be the best fit for your teen.  Here’s what to know about residential treatment for teens, including some clear signs your child may

At Ridge RTC, we understand that the therapeutic journey is challenging not only for teens but also for their parents and families. Navigating treatment transitions and adolescent therapy activities, maintaining healthy boundaries, and managing anxiety are all part of the process. Here’s a guide to help you support your teen through treatment and transition while