Expert insight from Kim Bennett, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer, Casa Pacifica Talking About Suicide: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Children and Teens Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among adolescents. With academic pressure, social media, and access to substances, many parents worry about their child’s mental...
Helping Teens Thrive in High School The move from middle school to high school can feel like a major leap – both for students and their families. New schedules, bigger campuses, academic pressure and rising expectations can stir up a mix of excitement and anxiety. For some...
Explore the third DBT mindfulness how skill and uncover practical ways to bring mindful awareness into your daily actions with clarity and purpose. Last month, we explored One-Mindfully, the second of DBT’s core “How” skills for mindfulness. This month, we’re focusing on the third: Effectively. If you...
Build healthy gaming habits that support teen mental health, foster real-world connections, and make screen time more meaningful this summer. For teens, summer break often means more free time—and more screen time. Video games can be a great way to relax, connect with friends and even sharpen...
Learn how to apply DBT mindfulness how skills in daily life by practicing the essential One-Mindfully technique. Last month, we explored the first “How” skill of DBT Mindfulness: Acting Nonjudgmentally. This month, we’re focusing on the second “How” skill—One-Mindfully. These columns are part of a DBT...
Learn how to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health through affirming care, active listening, inclusive resources, and advocacy—especially during the challenges and celebrations of Pride Month. June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate love, identity, and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. But for many LGBTQ+ youth,...
Learn how the first essential "How" skill in DBT can support teen mental health and help build emotional resilience. Last month our Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) column discussed the three essential “What” skills for understanding DBT. The column listed a few ways to practice What Skills...
Discover compassionate and effective ways to support a teen who self harms and help them begin their journey toward healing. Self-harm among teens is more common than many people realize—and more misunderstood. It’s not a cry for attention, but a cry for relief. For many adolescents, the...
Learn how the three essential "what" skills in DBT can support teen mental health and help build emotional resilience. Last month our Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) column discussed the Mindfulness idea and skill of Wise Mind. The column listed a few ways to practice Wise Mind...
Intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs are both intensive therapy options. Understanding PHP and IOP for teens helps highlight their distinct differences in duration, structure, and supervision. Being a teenager is tough. Between academic pressures, social challenges and hormonal changes, it’s normal for teens to...