Teens

In this Voices of Compassion episode, we talk with CHC experts, Ramsey Khasho, PsyD, Chief Clinical Officer and licensed psychologist, and Pardis Khosravi, PsyD, Clinical Director and license psychologist to take a clear-eyed look at the real state of teen mental health in 2025. Moving beyond sensationalized headlines, we’ll discuss recent data showing promising developments as well as still concerning trends.

In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between digital devices and family well-being. We examine how screen time affects developing brains and physical health, from sleep disruption to attention impacts. Our CHC experts, Vidya Krishnan, MD and Olivia McDonald, PsyD, share practical strategies for establishing healthy boundaries around technology use, emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate limits and parental modeling. We also discuss why personalized approaches work better than rigid rules, considering each child's unique temperament, interests, and developmental needs. Join us for an insightful conversation about fostering digital wellness while embracing the benefits technology can bring to our lives.

Join us for this podcast episode as we explore the experience of neurodivergent individuals navigating a world designed for neurotypical minds. In this conversation with CHC experts, Melanie Hsu, PhD, Clinical Director and licensed psychologist and Marjan Ebadi, PhD, licensed psychologist, we talk about challenging the traditional deficit model that focuses on "fixing" neurodivergent traits, instead embracing a strengths-based approach that celebrates the unique abilities and perspectives that neurodiversity brings. We also discuss the emotional toll of masking—the exhausting practice of hiding natural behaviors to fit in—and share insights on recognizing when loved ones might be suppressing their authentic selves.

Talking with teens about consent can feel awkward, but it’s a critical conversation for their safety and well-being. In this episode, we talk about consent with CHC psychologist and Director of Clinical Training, Dr. Carlina Wheeler. Join us for this conversation as we consider what consent really means and why it’s essential in all relationships. We’ll explore practical ways parents can open the conversation, even when their teen seems unwilling to engage, and discuss situations where consent is not possible, such as when someone is under the influence or pressured. Tune in for insights and strategies to help your teen navigate boundaries with confidence and respect.

Young adulthood is a time of transformation, independence, and discovery—but it also comes with unique challenges. Join us as we talk with CHC experts, Erin Hoolihan, PsyD and Zahra Murtaza, PhD about the stressors young adults face, from navigating individuation and identity development to balancing budgets, academics, relationships, and the complexities of "adulting." We'll also explore how societal issues add to the weight of this pivotal stage of life. Tune in for practical strategies to help young adults build resilience, embrace change, and thrive during this critical time.

Do you see your kids putting off tasks until the last minute, misplacing their belongings, always running late, or forgetting to turn in their homework? These are all signs of executive functioning challenges. Listen to this podcast episode as we talk with CHC experts, Joaquin Burciaga, PhD, Neuropsychologist and Danna Torres, about the essential role of executive functioning in daily life and how kids rely on these skills in tasks like organizing homework and managing time. We'll discuss how parents and caregivers can teach and scaffold executive functioning skills, breaking them into manageable steps. Plus, what happens when kids just aren't getting it? We'll share strategies to adjust and support them with compassion and patience, fostering growth even in the most challenging moments.

The data shows that ADHD is diagnosed in boys more often than girls. Why is that? Join us as we talk with Marjan Ebadi, PhD and Dylan Stewart, PsyD both psychologists at CHC in exploring the factors behind this disparity. We’ll discuss how ADHD often looks different in girls—manifesting as inattentiveness, emotional sensitivity, or perfectionism rather than hyperactivity—and why these signs are frequently overlooked. Finally, we share practical strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers to recognize and support girls with ADHD, empowering them to thrive.

Effective communication can be tricky. In today’s episode, we talk with Jennifer Leydecker, LMFT, Clinical Program Manager at CHC and expert on DBT strategies. You will learn how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (or DBT) strategies can transform the way we communicate. We’ll discuss practical tools like mindfulness, validation, and dialectics to express your needs, set boundaries, and build stronger, more authentic connections. Whether it’s navigating conflict or deepening relationships, these evidence-based techniques will help you communicate with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

In today’s episode, we dive into the power of words and how they shape your child's sense of self and connection as we talk with CHC expert, Ariela Laibson, LCSW, Care Team Program Manager. Ariela shares valuable sound bytes for parents and caregivers. You’ll hear what to say in moments when your child makes a mistake, feels lonely, or achieves success. She shares practical phrases and approaches that communicate compassion, foster belonging, and show your child they are valued no matter the circumstance. Tune in to discover how your words can nurture resilience, confidence, and deep connection with your child.

We live every day in relationship with others. Sometimes those relationships are healthy and have a positive impact on our well-being, and sometimes they do not. In this new episode, we talk with CHC experts, Emily Hsu, PhD, and Danna Torres, LMFT, about the importance of open, honest communication and why feeling valued and heard matters so much. We’ll also explore signs of an unhealthy relationship—how to recognize when your needs aren’t being met, when boundaries aren’t respected, and when communication breaks down. Join us as we unpack the essentials of building connections rooted in respect, empathy, and mutual support, helping you spot the difference between a positive, nurturing relationship and one that may not be serving you well.

Join us for this new episode with CHC experts, Karly Crockett, LCSW and Rachel O’Harra, LMFT as we explore the vital connection between healthy eating for both mental and physical well-being. Proper nutrition fuels our bodies and minds, playing a key role in overall development, mood regulation, and energy levels. We’ll share practical strategies for parents/caregivers to encourage healthy eating habits in children, focusing on fostering curiosity around food, modeling positive behaviors, involving kids in meal planning, and more. Tune in for tips that help make healthy eating a fun, engaging, and sustainable part of your family's life!

In this new podcast episode we explore the meaning of validation and why it’s one of the most effective communication strategies for parents and caregivers. Although the term validation is often used, many people aren’t entirely sure what it really means or how to use it in conversations with others, including youth. Validation helps youth feel heard, understood, and valued, creating a strong emotional connection and goes beyond simply agreeing or offering comfort; it’s about acknowledging and accepting a child’s feelings as real and important. With CHC expert psychologists, Dr. Erin Hoolihan and Dr. Tracy Cavaligos, we talk about how to break down the steps to effectively validate emotions and share practical examples of how to respond in common scenarios where validation is key. This is one you will want to listen to again and again!

In today’s episode, we discuss the sensitive but critical topic of teen suicide. According to the CDC, suicide rates from 2007 through 2021 for Americans ages 10 to 24 rose 62%. In this conversation with CHC Doctoral Psychology Intern, Emily Raymond we discuss key risk factors that parents, educators, and peers should be aware of, offering practical strategies for parents to create open lines of communication with their teens and recognize warning signs. By fostering a community of compassion and understanding, we can work toward reducing teen suicide rates and creating a safer, more supportive environment for all adolescents.

Puberty can be a challenging time, but with guidance, parents can help their children navigate it with resilience and strength. Drawing on insights and the expertise of CHC Doctoral Psychology intern, Emma Lecarie, this new podcast episode provides practical advice for parents navigating this transitional period with their children. We explore strategies parents can use to promote positive mental health outcomes during puberty as well as understanding the potential challenges their children may face and how parents and caregivers can recognize signs of distress and offer help.

Join our guest host Natalie Tamburello, Community Engagement Manager at CHC, as she engages in a candid conversation about the unique challenges and stigma surrounding mental health and the Asian American community with our guest experts from CHC, licensed psychologist, Dr. Emily Hsu and licensed clinical social worker, Thuy Tran. They discuss not only what they've experienced professionally, but also personally, as Asian American mental health professionals. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and learn about navigating language barriers, how love is expressed differently in Asian communities and how we can build cultural bridges with empathy and understanding.

Adolescence is a period of growth in which youth are discovering who they are and where they belong. In this insightful podcast episode, we discuss the dynamic and sometimes challenging journey of parenting adolescents. As children transition into the teen years, parents face new and unique challenges. Although this time can be a fearful time for parents/caregivers because they are not sure what to expect, it can also be a time of joy and hope. Listen in to this conversation with CHC experts, Dr. Patrice Crisostomo, and Dr. Emily Hsu, both Licensed Psychologists, as we explore practical tips, expert advice, and proven strategies to help parents navigate this crucial phase of their child's development.

Adolescence is an important time of self-discovery during which teens often grapple with questions about identity and purpose. They want to understand who they are and their place in the world and this can bring about profound existential reflection. In today’s world, our youth can feel like the future is uncertain as they experience rapid societal changes, some economic instability and global challenges like climate change. In addition, they feel the pressure to make life-defining choices such as what they will do beyond high school and planning for a career. Listen to today’s episode as we talk with CHC psychologists, Dr. Erin Hoolihan and Dr. Tracy Cavaligos. We’ll talk about how adolescents may find it challenging to navigate a world filled with unknowns, which can lead to heightened anxiety. You’ll learn how you can develop a greater understanding of how this impacts youth and how you can effectively support them in this developmental period.

In this episode we have the opportunity to hear about the remarkable journey of Sean Nesamoney, who was a high school student with a love and talent for music. It’s a testament to the synergy between music and mental health, showcasing how Sean’s passion for music became a vision for a concert to highlight and support teen mental health resources in the community. As you listen, you’ll be moved by Sean’s dedication to making a difference around teen mental health and also inspire others to take action. As Sean says, “I hope that listeners are inspired to just start. If there’s a project in mind that you want to pursue or an issue that’s important to you, just start, because you never know where it could take you.”

In a world where ADHD is often overshadowed by its challenges, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that focuses on uncovering its strengths. Listen now for an insightful conversation with Ross Loofbourrow, a millennial who not only lives with ADHD but thrives! Through Ross’s lived experience, we gain a unique vantage point that highlights the importance of understanding and harnessing the inherent strengths of ADHD all while navigating its inevitable challenges. Ross shares his journey with ADHD openly with personal insights and stories offering a firsthand account of how ADHD has shaped his life in unexpected and empowering ways.

Today’s podcast episode underscores the power of resilience, understanding and growth in the face of mental health challenges. Join us for this conversation with Jack and his mom, Cheri. Jack was a teen who seemingly had it all — popular with his peers, strong friendships, a leader on the Varsity track team and a very strong student (graduated as Valedictorian of his class!). Yet, beneath the surface, Jack grappled with an internal battle with anxiety and OCD that would reshape his life in unexpected ways. How could this accomplished student and leader on the track struggle with these feelings that seemed insurmountable? Cheri, Jack’s mom, expresses that she knew something wasn’t quite right, but wasn’t sure how to help. And then Jack started talking about what was going on underneath the surface. Cheri knew that Jack needed help, and she was determined to find that help even though it proved challenging. Join us to hear this conversation with Jack and his mom — it’s a story about struggle, but also about hope and resilience.

Our brains are not fully developed until the mid-20s, so it’s no wonder that our adolescents still need help with the all important executive functioning skills. In this episode, we talk about the often underestimated yet pivotal aspect of cognitive growth: executive functioning in teens. Tune in as our guest host, Natalie Tamburello, discusses executive functioning with Dr. Sharmila Roy, and Stacey Soderquist both from The Schwab Learning Center at CHC. They talk about real-life scenarios and the impact of executive functioning skills on our ability to complete a task, plus how we can nurture executive functioning skills to empower adolescents to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. They also explore the role of organizational tools and communication techniques in enhancing these cognitive abilities.

Nearly half of Americans report feeling left out or alone, and over two-thirds of teens report being lonely. Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity. But did you know that even just one friend can be enough? Tune in to today’s episode as we talk with Dr. George “Alex” Lazo, licensed clinical psychologist at CHC’s Catherine T. Harvey Center for Clinical Services, about the difference between being alone and lonely, how to build tolerance in our kids and the importance of “checking in.”

Between 2009 and 2019, the percentage of teens who reported having “persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” rose from 26 percent to 37 percent and, in 2021, to 44 percent. Further, research shows that 1 in 5 youth in distress felt that they didn’t have someone they could turn to in a crisis. How can we let our teens know we’re here for them and protect them from significant mental health challenges? How do we know what to say, or even where to begin? In today’s podcast episode, CHC clinical services expert, Dr. Tracy Cavaligos shares myriad tips and takeaways for talking to our teens about mental health.

Growing up is a process of moving toward independence, becoming your own person and meeting your own needs. “Launching” refers to the parental role in their child’s transition into adulthood. This process looks different for everyone — a bumpier or more meandering path for some than others. So how can you best prepare your child for a smooth launch? In today’s podcast episode, CHC’s Chief Psychiatrist and Medical Director, Dr. Vidya Krishnan, shares keen wisdom and practical takeaways for supporting your child now for life on their own, while instilling the confidence that they’ll need to fly.

Our brains develop from the back to the front. The prefrontal cortex — important for impulse control, managing emotions, planning, organization and finishing tasks — is the last to develop, and is not fully mature until our mid-twenties. How does this impact teen behavior and decision making and how can parents make sure we still matter? Don’t miss today’s inspiring episode featuring CHC’s own Dr. Erin Hoolihan, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, as she explains how parents can tap into, connect with, be understanding of and provide a safe haven for our teens and their developing brains.