There’s a version of your teenager that still shows up for things. They come to the table when called. They answer when spoken to. They go through the motions of being present. But something fundamental has shifted underneath. The kid who used to talk through problems now shuts down. The one who cared about grades […]
Behavioral Signs of Teen Drug Use Read More »
It’s easy to brush off a teen’s late nights or the occasional whiff of alcohol as typical adolescent behavior. But at The Ridge RTC, a trusted residential treatment center for adolescents, these moments are often early signals of something more serious. The issue of teenagers and alcohol abuse isn’t just about rebellion or testing limits.
You already know something’s wrong. That’s probably why you’re here. Maybe it’s the way your kid won’t look at you anymore. Perhaps it’s the third “stomach bug” this month, or the fact that their old friends stopped calling, or that they’re suddenly fine with skipping the family thing they used to care about. You’ve run
Signs of Substance Abuse in Teens Read More »
It’s not unusual for anxiety or depression to open the door to self-harming behaviors. These struggles rarely exist in isolation. They overlap, shift, and feed into each other in ways that can be hard to untangle. Anxiety, for example, keeps the body tense and alert, while depression drains energy and hope. Caught between the two,
At The Ridge RTC, we see how self-harm and eating disorders appear in ways that leave troubled parents looking for answers. These aren’t separate problems that just happen to show up at the same time. They’re linked, often feeding off each other in a cycle that’s hard to break without the right support. When your
Understanding Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Teens Read More »
Learning that your teen has been self-harming is a moment that changes how you see everything: your child, their pain, and what it means to keep them safe. It can bring fear, confusion, and a rush of questions with no clear answers. Many parents try to fix things quickly or avoid the subject altogether, not
Teenage Self-Harm Advice for Parents Read More »
When a teenager turns to self-harm, it does not happen in isolation. The effects ripple through the home, unsettling routines, straining relationships, and leaving parents feeling heartbroken, scared, and unsure of how to help. You may find yourself walking on eggshells, desperate to say the right thing, while also feeling overwhelmed by your own emotions.
Family Therapy for Teens: How Parents Can Work with Kids Who Self-Harm Read More »
Treatment for teen suicidal ideation involves practical crisis steps and evidence-based interventions that can protect your child’s safety and create a path toward recovery. Adolescent suicidal ideation is more widespread than many realize. While the topic is difficult, understanding the treatment landscape, immediate actions, and available resources empowers families to respond effectively during critical moments.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Teen Suicidal Ideation Read More »
At The Ridge RTC, we work with families facing some of the most challenging moments in their teens’ lives. One of the most difficult combinations we treat is the intersection of teen personality disorders and self-harming behaviors. When parents first learn their teen may have a personality disorder, the diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Add self-harm
Teen Personality Disorders and Self-Harm: What Parents Need to Know Read More »
Recognizing self-harm warning signs in adolescents can be challenging for even the most attentive parents. Teenagers often conceal their struggles due to shame, fear, or a desire to protect their families from worry. These warning signs, which may be subtle or easily dismissed as typical teenage behavior, are critical to identify early for your teen’s
Hidden Self-Harm Warning Signs Parents Often Miss Read More »
