Teen Mental Health

At High Focus Centers in Johns Creek, GA, we understand the challenges families face when a child is diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). This behavioral condition can be overwhelming, but with the right approach and support, positive change is possible. Here's how we can assist:  Tailored Therapeutic Approaches  Our experienced team utilizes evidence-based therapeutic methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), designed to address the unique needs of children with ODD. These techniques help in managing anger, improving communication and developing effective coping strategies.  Structured Support Systems  High Focus Centers offers structured programs that provide the consistency that children with [...]

The biggest risks to teen health might not include what you would expect – mental health complications, including depression, anxiety and even suicide, are some of the most prominent risks to teens. With widespread loneliness as a result of social media, isolation due to mental health side effects and pressures at home and school, it is no surprise teens are seen struggling so often.  So what to do if you notice signs of mental illness in your teen? What can you do to provide mental health support to your child, both at home and in other ways? We’re glad [...]

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Effective management of ADHD in youths aged 10-17 is crucial for their academic, social and personal development. Medication, combined with behavioral therapies, is a cornerstone of ADHD treatment. High Focus Centers in Johns Creek, GA, offers comprehensive medication management and assessments for adolescents with ADHD. This blog explores the importance of medication management in treating ADHD and how High Focus Centers provides tailored care for these young individuals.  Understanding ADHD and Medication Management  ADHD medications can significantly reduce [...]

Being a teenager is no easy task — for you as the parents, or for your teen. There are so many mental, emotional and physical changes your child is going through in this phase of their life; changes you may or may not remember going through yourself. They might feel you don’t understand them anymore, you might feel like you don’t know who they are (or who they’ve temporarily become).  While the teenage years mark the beginning of young adulthood and initiate the painful but healthy formation of independence, your child still greatly needs you and your guidance, especially during [...]

Have you ever heard a teenager complain about some area of their lives and thought to yourself, “Just wait until you’re my age,” or “You’re too young to be complaining about that”? The belief that kids are incapable of suffering trauma, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction and other experiences because of their age is not only incorrect but harmful. Trauma does not discriminate and can be experienced by males and females of all ages from all walks of life. The ways in which these traumas affect individuals will vary, depending on factors such as the nature of the [...]

A tween is no longer a child, but not quite a teenager, and those in-between years can be rough. Sleep is a vital component in the quality of our overall health and well-being, but studies show the majority of tweens are not sleeping enough, receiving less than 9 hours of sleep a night. Nutrition plays a crucial role in the full spectrum of adolescent development, but studies show that the majority of people in the United States are eating what is universally considered a poor diet. Poor nutrition has been linked to a variety of health conditions including obesity, diabetes, [...]

Mental health issues do not discriminate, and they can affect men and women of all ages, races, social and financial statuses, educational backgrounds, income levels and more.  Teens are no exception, and up to 50 percent of teenagers develop some sort of mental health condition or disorder before they graduate high school. For many of them, these issues will continue to disrupt the individual’s life for years, lasting through their twenties and sometimes even into their thirties if left untreated. There are different factors that can impact a person’s mental health, and stigmas around mental health are among some [...]

Have you noticed that teen mental health issues seem to be almost trending lately? People — adolescents and young adults primarily — are casually dropping phrases like “I’m so depressed”, “she’s so bipolar” or “he’s so OCD” frequently in conversations now. While the normalization of these topics is incredible progress, when it comes to supporting and uplifting the mental health community this particular method isn’t the most beneficial. A teen who makes claims of being depressed, when they’re actually just disappointed they failed a test, can invalidate a student with an actual mood disorder, and inadvertently convince them not to [...]

So your child is approaching young adulthood, about to graduate and move onto a new chapter in their lives. As the parent, you might be full of pride and hope for the future they’re creating, but your child might not be so confident or excited for the change. High school has changed significantly in recent decades, between the creation of the smartphone, the launch of social media, modern societal evolutions and more. Some struggles are timeless (such as bullying, and pubescent changes), while others (such as those that have come with the rise of technology) we are still learning the [...]

Bipolar disorder often gets dismissed in teens due to the common tendency to write off teens' extreme or apathetic behaviors as simply the result of hormones. While that is sometimes the case, other times it goes much deeper. In this article, we’re going to discuss the most common signs of bipolar disorder that parents should be aware of in case their teen begins exhibiting symptoms, as this is a disorder that typically requires professional help to manage and relieve. Main types of bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a type of depression that is characterized by an individual who experiences [...]