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Parent Guides

Parent Guides A-Z

Parents and teens nationwide trust our clinical experts to navigate challenges. Our Parent Guides provide up-to-date advice on issues we see daily, alongside the therapies we use to create new beginnings.

Written by Evolve's Behavioral Health Content Team​:

Alyson Orcena, LMFT • Melissa Vallas, MD • Shikha Verma, MD • Ellen Bloch, LCSW • Lianne Tendler, LMFT • Megan Johnston, LMFT

Meet The Team >

Navigating the teenage years can be complex, both for teens and their parents. In a world where curiosity often intersects with risk, it can be difficult to know how to handle it if you discover your teen has been using hallucinogenic drugs. While these substances are sometimes wrapped in the guise of exploration or escapism, […]

As a parent, witnessing your teen grapple with adolescence can be challenging, especially when it comes to substance use. Unfortunately, the increasing prevalence of teen opioid addiction is a critical issue that demands attention and understanding.  At Evolve, we’re here to educate and support you. If you suspect that your child is using opioids, this […]

As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your teenager’s well-being, especially in a world where drug abuse is increasingly common. This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive insights into teen sedative use to help you recognize the signs and take steps towards your teen’s recovery. What Are Sedatives? Sedatives, also known as sedation […]

Turn on the TV on any given day and it seems there’s news of yet another school shooting, deadly accident, or natural disaster somewhere in our country. When you include the plethora of tragic stories regarding the physical or sexual abuse of youth, any caring parent can easily become consumed with fear regarding the safety […]

For decades, many parents worried about their adolescents experimenting with or getting addicted to “hard” drugs, such as meth, heroin, or cocaine.  The good news is that those drugs aren’t as common among teens as they once were.  Unfortunately, prescription drugs are increasingly taking their place.  These drugs are much more accessible because they’re found […]

Our teens are struggling. Evidence shows rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, substance use, and self-harming behavior have increased, with teens and young adults reporting escalating levels of adverse mental health symptoms. In light of this evidence, we’ve prepared some tips on preparing your adolescent for the transition back to school after the summer, including […]

If you’re like most parents, the idea of your teen intentionally harming himself or herself is a tough one to wrap your mind around.  However, an increasing number of adolescents today are secretly harming or mutilating themselves while their parents are completely oblivious. Self-harm behavior is usually not done with the intent to die.  In […]

If you’re like most parents, you want your kids to learn to be comfortable in their own skin, develop self-confidence, and thrive socially as they grow up.  Unfortunately, some children develop in the exact opposite direction, for example being painfully self-conscious, afraid of rejection or embarrassment, and extremely uncomfortable in social settings.  The anxiety they […]

It’s normal for teens to experience a bit of anxiety or fear in certain situations, such as giving a presentation at school or going to the dentist.  However, a surprising number of teens – more than 10% – suffer from what’s known as a specific phobia (or simple phobia).  This common anxiety disorder involves having […]

One of the most heartbreaking losses for any parent is the death of a child.  When the cause of death is suicide, the gut-wrenching pain is often more pronounced and excruciating than ever.  To add insult to injury, the parents’ pain is inevitably accompanied by a barrage of guilt, unrelenting “what ifs”, and harsh self-judgments. […]

Adolescence is a time of radical transformation. Teens develop physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. They form their own identities, distinct from their parents. They engage in an evolving, instinctive process of trial and error to learn about themselves and find their place in the world. Through a series of successes, failures, and everything in between, […]

Cutting is a heartbreaking form of self-harm that has been steadily increasing among teens and adolescents. As a parent, it’s crucial to understand the signs, causes, and best approaches to addressing this alarming issue. Evolve specializes in providing comprehensive and compassionate care for teens struggling with a variety of mental health issues, including cutting. This […]

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