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  • Clinically Reviewed by Rod Russell MS, SUDC and Blake Taylor MCoun, CMHC
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Screen Addiction in Teen Girls: When It Signals a Deeper Issue
Screen Addiction in Teen Girls: When It Signals a Deeper Issue 2560 1707 Clinically Reviewed by Rod Russell MS, SUDC and Blake Taylor MCoun, CMHC
Clinically Reviewed by Rod Russell & Blake Taylor

What Is Screen Addiction in Teens?

Screen addiction or tech addiction in teens is a pattern of compulsive digital use that a teen struggles to control, even when it causes problems in daily life.

It may involve social media, gaming, short-form videos, messaging, streaming, online shopping, pornography, or constant phone checking. It isn’t concerning that a teen enjoys technology, but it becomes a concern when teens keep returning to screens even when it affects sleep, school, relationships, mood, safety, or family trust.

Researchers and clinicians describe this using terms like problematic screen use, addictive screen use, tech addiction, or digital addiction. No matter the term, these share a similar pattern: loss of control, emotional distress when unable to use, and continued use despite consequences.

We think it’s important to note that “screen addiction” is not an official DSM-5 diagnosis. The DSM-5 includes Internet Gaming Disorder in Section III as a condition for further study, while gambling disorder is the only behavioral addiction currently recognized as a diagnosable DSM-5 disorder. Still, many clinicians use a behavioral-addiction or process-addiction framework when screen use becomes compulsive, hard to stop, and harmful to daily life. 

In this article, “screen addiction” is used in that practical, parent-friendly sense. It describes a concerning pattern, not a formal diagnosis.

Screen Addiction in Teen Girls: When It Signals a Deeper Issue


Your daughter says she is “just checking one thing,” but an hour later, she is still scrolling. She promises she will go to bed soon, but the light from her phone is still under the door at midnight. When you set a limit, she doesn’t just get annoyed: she panics, shuts down, begs for more time, or explodes. School, sleep, friendships, and family trust start to suffer.

At first, it may look like a screen-time problem, too much access. But for some teen girls, the issue is not only how many hours they spend online, but the pattern of it, the pull of their devices. The issue is what happens when they try to stop. From a different angle, it is what the screen may be helping them avoid, numb, or control.

This is why experts are paying closer attention to addictive screen use, not just total screen time. A 2025 JAMA cohort study found that high or increasing addictive use of social media, mobile phones, or video games was associated with suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviors, and worse mental health outcomes among youth. The study also noted that total screen time alone did not explain the same risk pattern, supporting a more nuanced focus on compulsive use rather than minutes alone.

This study’s distinction matters. A teen can spend time online in creative, social, or educational ways, but when screen use becomes compulsive, secretive, emotionally intense, or tied to unsafe choices, families may need to look deeper.

For families considering IOP, residential treatment, or other structured support, screen addiction may be one part of a larger picture. Tech addiction can overlap with process addictions, substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, school refusal, self-harm, and family disconnection.

Screen Time vs. Screen Addiction: Why the Pattern Matters

Concerns around screen time focus on one question: “How long was she on the device?” 

That question can be useful, especially when sleep, school, or family time is being crowded out. But it does not tell the whole story. A better question is, what happens when she has to stop?

Parents can look for patterns like: 

  • Can she stop when she needs to?
  • Does she become panicked, furious, or hopeless when offline?
  • Is she using screens to escape anxiety, shame, sadness, loneliness, cravings, or trauma reminders?
  • Is screen use replacing sleep, school, hobbies, meals, movement, or face-to-face connection?
  • Does she keep using despite serious consequences?

Distinctions like this matter because not all screen use is harmful. People commonly use technology to create art, learn new skills, connect with friends, research a school project, play games to unwind, or participate in a supportive community. These behaviors are different from doom-scrolling until 2 a.m., gaming to avoid school, checking social media every few minutes to manage social anxiety, or hiding online behavior after repeated family conflict.

The American Academy of Pediatrics now emphasizes quality, context, and balance rather than simple fixed time limits for all youth, especially as digital life has become more complex. For parents, that means the goal is not to panic over every hour online. The goal is to understand whether screen use is helping or hurting your daughter’s life.

How App Design Keeps Teens Coming Back

It’s worth remembering that teens are not setting limits in a neutral environment. Many technologies are actually designed to grab and hold our attention. Apps, games, and social platforms often use persuasive design features like infinite scroll, autoplay, notifications, streaks, likes, and algorithmic recommendations. These features can make it harder to stop, especially for adolescents whose brains are still developing skills for impulse control, emotional regulation, and long-term decision-making.

This does not remove personal responsibility around habits, but it can add some context.

The American Psychological Association has recommended that teens receive social media literacy training to better understand how platforms may influence attention, behavior, and well-being. 

Compulsive screen use is not simply a “willpower problem.” Teens –– and adults –– may be trying to set limits while also pushing against platforms designed to pull them back in.

Signs Your Daughter’s Screen Use May Be Compulsive

One warning sign does not imply addiction. Teens need privacy, social connection, and independence. They may also resist limits as part of normal development.

The pattern becomes more concerning when screen use starts to change your daughter’s sleep, mood, school performance, honesty, safety, or interest in offline life.

1. She Feels Anxious, Angry, or Panicked When Offline

Many teens dislike being away from their phones, but compulsive use often brings a stronger emotional reaction.

You may notice:

  • Panic when the phone dies.
  • Anger when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
  • Intense fear of missing out.
  • Crying, yelling, or threatening when limits are set.
  • Restlessness when she cannot check messages.
  • Feeling “unsafe” without the phone.

Reactions attached to compulsive behavior aren’t usually just about the device. For some teens, the phone represents connection, control, distraction, reassurance, or escape. When it is removed, the underlying emotion may rush forward.

2. Screens Interfere With Sleep, School, or Relationships

Sleep disruption is one of the clearest warning signs. A teen may stay up scrolling, wake during the night to check messages, fall asleep with videos playing, or intentionally hide a device under her pillow. Over time, lack of sleep can worsen mood, attention, irritability, and impulse control.

Parents may also notice:

  • Falling grades.
  • Missed assignments.
  • School avoidance.
  • Skipping meals or family time.
  • Less interest in sports, art, music, or friendships.
  • More isolation in her room.
  • Increased conflict when asked to stop.

AACAP notes that children and adolescents spend significant time with screens and encourages families to set healthy limits, choose quality content, and create balanced routines. 

3. She Hides Use or Breaks Rules Repeatedly

Secrecy can be a sign that your daughter feels ashamed, afraid, or unable to control her behavior around screens.

You may find a hidden app, a second account, deleted messages, or a device being used after bedtime. You may make an agreement together, only to discover the same behavior again a few days later.

This does not mean your daughter is “bad.” It may mean the behavior has become powerful enough that rules alone are not working. At that point, more rules may create more hiding unless the family also addresses what the screen is helping her manage.

4. She Uses Screens to Escape Emotional Pain

This is often the most important sign.

A teen may turn to screens every time she feels rejected, anxious, bored, ashamed, lonely, angry, or sad. She may not know how to calm her nervous system without scrolling, gaming, messaging, or watching videos.

Parents may hear:

  • “It’s the only thing that helps.”
  • “I can’t deal with school without my phone.”
  • “I need to know what people are saying.”
  • “I feel worse when I’m alone with my thoughts.”
  • “I don’t care about anything else.”

When screens become the main coping tool, the teen may lose practice with other ways of managing distress.

5. Offline Life Starts to Shrink

A teen struggling with addictive screen use may slowly disconnect from activities that once mattered. They may stop attending events or avoid meeting friends in person. They may lose interest in hobbies that once filled their free time. Essentially, their world gets smaller while the online world gets bigger.

This is especially concerning when the teen seems more distressed after being online but still cannot stop. Screen addiction in teen girls is often not just about the device. It may be a sign of deeper emotional pain, process addiction patterns, substance use risk, trauma, anxiety, depression, or disconnection from family and offline life.

Why Teen Girls May Be Especially Vulnerable

Teen girls often experience online life through relationships. Delayed replies can feel like rejection, group photos can feel like proof she was left out, and comments about appearance can stay with her for days. 

Social media can intensify comparison, body image pressure, fear of exclusion, friend conflict, and the pressure to respond immediately.  A daughter may not say, “I’m addicted to my phone.” She may say:

  • “Everyone will forget about me.”
  • “I need to know if they posted without me.”
  • “I look terrible.”
  • “I can’t ignore the group chat.”
  • “If I don’t answer, they’ll be mad.”
  • “The algorithm won’t show my posts if I take a break.”

For girls with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, low self-worth, or rejection sensitivity, online connections can feel both comforting and painful. It gives reassurance, but the reassurance fades. It distracts from distress, but the distress returns. It creates connection, but it may also deepen comparison and loneliness.

That cycle can be hard to break without support, especially when online identity has started to feel more manageable than real-life connections.

How Screen Addiction Overlaps With Process Addictions

Screen addiction is often discussed as a type of process addiction or behavioral addiction. Process addictions involve compulsive engagement in a behavior despite negative consequences. They may include gaming, social media use, online shopping, gambling-like behaviors, exercise, or other rewarding behaviors.

Compulsive screen use may include patterns that resemble other addictions:

  • Cravings or urges.
  • Loss of control.
  • Secrecy.
  • Emotional withdrawal when unable to use.
  • Needing more time or intensity to feel satisfied.
  • Continued use despite harm.
  • Repeated failed attempts to cut back.

For teen girls, the behavior may begin as a method to self-soothe. It may help her avoid painful emotions, peer rejection, trauma memories, family conflict, or school stress. But over time, it can become one of the main ways she copes.

That is when the problem is no longer just the app, game, or phone. The deeper concern is the underlying emotional pattern.

The Connection Between Screen Addiction and Substance Use Risk

Screen addiction and substance use are not the same thing. One does not automatically cause the other, but for some teens, they can overlap. A teen may use screens and substances for similar reasons: to numb, escape, feel accepted, reduce anxiety, or avoid distress.

Recent research has examined links between screen use patterns and substance use experimentation in early adolescents. One prospective study using ABCD Study data found associations between several screen modalities and later substance use experimentation among early adolescents. 

Online spaces may expose teens to substance-related content, risky peer groups, normalization of drugs and alcohol, or social situations where substance use is encouraged. This does not mean parents should assume the worst. It does mean that if compulsive screen use appears alongside vaping, cannabis use, alcohol use, secrecy, school problems, or unsafe peers, the family may need a broader assessment.

Consider asking: “What role are screens and substances playing in her emotional life?” If both are helping a teen avoid pain or seek relief, it’s likely that the deeper coping pattern needs to be supported through therapeutic treatment.

When Screen Addiction May Need More Than Parental Controls

App limits, device-free bedrooms, and screen-free family routines can all be helpful tools for reducing screen time. But parental controls alone may not be enough when screen use is connected to larger safety or mental health concerns.

Professional support may be needed if your daughter’s screen use is connected to:

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
  • Substance use.
  • School refusal.
  • Severe depression or anxiety.
  • Trauma symptoms.
  • Unsafe online relationships.
  • Aggression when limits are set.
  • Eating disorder behaviors.
  • Major sleep disruption.
  • Repeated failed attempts to reduce use.
  • Family conflict that feels unmanageable.

The 2025 JAMA study found that youth with high or increasing addictive screen use trajectories had worse mental health outcomes and higher risk patterns related to suicidal ideation or behavior, especially around social media and mobile phone use.

Studies like this are helpful to guide families toward the right question: “Is this behavior becoming compulsive, harmful, and emotionally necessary?”

Outpatient, IOP, or Residential Treatment: What Level of Care May Fit?

Parents often wonder whether their daughter needs therapy, IOP, residential treatment, or something else.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. A licensed professional should help assess safety, functioning, substance use, family dynamics, and co-occurring mental health needs.

Still, the following framework can help families think about next steps.

Level of Care May Be Appropriate When Primary Goal
Outpatient therapy Screen use is concerning, but safety, school, and home routines are mostly stable Build awareness, coping skills, and family boundaries
Intensive outpatient program Screen use overlaps with anxiety, depression, early substance use, school problems, or family conflict, but the teen can remain safe at home Provide structured therapy while the teen practices skills in daily life
Residential treatment Screen use is part of a larger crisis involving substance use, self-harm, suicidal ideation, unsafe behavior, trauma symptoms, or repeated failed attempts at home Create safety, reduce triggers, stabilize mental health, and rebuild coping skills

Concerned that screen use is part of a larger safety, substance use, or mental health concern?

Speak with our admissions team about whether residential support may be appropriate.

When IOP May Help

An intensive outpatient program may be a good fit when a teen needs more than weekly therapy but does not need 24-hour care.

IOP may support teens who:

  • Are struggling with compulsive screen use and emotional dysregulation.
  • Have early substance use concerns.
  • Need structured skills practice several days per week.
  • Can stay safe at home.
  • Have caregivers who can maintain boundaries.
  • Are still able to participate in school or daily routines.

IOP can be especially helpful when the goal is to practice new coping skills in real-life settings.

When Residential Treatment May Help

Residential treatment may be appropriate when home-based limits and outpatient support are not enough.

This may include situations where screen use is connected to:

  • Substance use.
  • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
  • Unsafe online contact.
  • Severe family conflict.
  • School refusal.
  • Running away.
  • Aggression.
  • Trauma symptoms.
  • Serious mood instability.
  • Repeated failed attempts to stop or reduce use.

In residential treatment, a teen has space away from daily triggers. She can build emotional regulation skills, address co-occurring concerns, and reconnect with life outside of screens.

How Solstice West RTC Supports Teen Girls and Families

Solstice West RTC supports adolescent girls whose screen use may be part of a larger pattern of emotional distress, process addiction, substance use, trauma, anxiety, depression, or family disconnection.

The goal is not to shame the use of technology, but to understand what the behavior is doing for the teen. Is this pattern helping her avoid grief? Is it numbing anxiety? Is it replacing face-to-face connection? Is it keeping her tied to unsafe peers? Is it part of a broader process addiction or substance use pattern?

In a residential setting, girls can step away from the patterns they have built alongside constant digital pressure to begin practicing healthier ways to manage discomfort. Here, they can rebuild sleep routines, strengthen emotional regulation, repair family trust, and rediscover meaningful offline activities.

For many families, treatment is also a chance to move from daily power struggles to clearer communication. Through family work, we help parents learn what their whole family needs to feel safe, connected, and capable in the modern world.

What Parents Can Do Before Things Escalate

If you are worried about your daughter’s screen use, you do not have to solve everything in one conversation. 

Start With Curiosity, Not Accusation

Try saying:

“I’ve noticed it seems really hard to be away from your phone lately. I’m not trying to shame you. Honestly, I know how easy it is to get pulled into my own screen, too. I’m wondering what your phone is helping with right now.”

This approach does not remove the need for limits. It gives your daughter a better chance of staying in the conversation long enough to tell you something useful

Track Emotional Triggers

Notice when compulsive use spikes. Some common triggers may be:

  • After school.
  • Before bed.
  • After a conflict with friends, family, or partners.
  • During homework.
  • After therapy.
  • When alone.
  • When feeling rejected, bored, or ashamed.

Once you understand the trigger, you can support the underlying need.

Protect Sleep First

Sleep affects mood, focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. For many families, protecting sleep is the most important first boundary.

Consider:

  • Charging phones outside the bedroom.
  • Using an alarm clock instead of a phone.
  • Creating a screen-off wind-down routine.
  • Keeping school-night rules consistent.
  • Modeling similar habits as adults.

Expect resistance! Resistance does not mean the boundary is wrong, but it can show that the phone has become emotionally important.

Replace the Function, Not Just the Device

Taking away a phone or device without replacing the function it serves can lead to more conflict. Think of that starter conversation when you ask to understand what the phone is helping her with. This answer can help guide healthy replacements for devices.

If your daughter uses screens to calm down, she needs other ways to calm her body. If she uses screens to feel connected, she needs safer forms of connection. If she uses screens to avoid boredom, shame, cravings, or anxiety, she needs help tolerating those feelings without escaping every time.

Offline replacements may include movement, art, music, photography, writing, time with animals, volunteering, cooking, baking, nature-based activities, in-person friend time, or family rituals that are not centered on correction.

In this day and age, the goal is not a screen-free life. A healthy goal is a life where screens are no longer the main coping tool.

Encourage Creative and Educational Tech Use

Not all tech use is equal! A teen creating music, learning design, nurturing healthy friendships, researching a passion, or using technology for school is engaging differently than a teen caught in endless comparison, conflict, or avoidance.

Ask reflective questions:

  • “Do you feel better or worse after using this app?”
  • “Are you creating or consuming?”
  • “Can you stop when you planned to stop?”
  • “Is this helping your goals or pulling you away from them?”
  • “What feeling are you trying not to feel right now?”

These questions build awareness without turning every conversation into punishment.

What to Do Next

If your daughter’s screen use feels compulsive, start with one calm conversation and one practical change.

You might say: “I don’t want to punish you for struggling. I want us to understand what is going on and help you feel more in control.”

Then choose one next step:

  • Move phones out of bedrooms at night.
  • Track emotional triggers for one week.
  • Ask her therapist or pediatrician about problematic screen use.
  • Assess whether screen use is connected to substance use, self-harm, school refusal, or unsafe online behavior.
  • Seek a higher level of care if home limits are not enough.

If your daughter’s screen use is connected to substance use, self-harm, school refusal, emotional outbursts, unsafe online behavior, or repeated failed attempts to cut back, Solstice West RTC can help your family explore whether residential treatment may be the right next step.

CONTACT OUR TEAM 

FAQs

Is screen addiction a real addiction?

“Screen addiction” is not an official DSM-5 diagnosis. Still, clinicians and researchers often use terms like problematic screen use, addictive screen use, digital addiction, or gaming-related addictive behaviors. The concern is not the label alone. The concern is whether a teen feels unable to stop and keeps using screens despite harm to sleep, school, relationships, mood, safety, or family trust.

How do I know if my daughter has screen addiction or just likes her phone?

Look at the function it serves and the consequences it’s bringing. If she can easily remove herself from her phone, sleeps well, keeps up with school, enjoys offline life, and uses screens in balanced ways, it may not be addiction. If she cannot stop, hides use, becomes highly distressed offline, loses sleep, avoids “real life”, or uses screens to numb emotions, the pattern may be more concerning.

Can screen addiction be treated in IOP?

Sometimes. IOP may help when screen addiction overlaps with anxiety, depression, family conflict, early substance use, or school problems, but the teen can remain safe at home. IOP gives teens structured support while they practice healthier habits in daily life.

When does screen addiction require residential treatment?

Residential treatment may be appropriate when screen addiction is connected to serious safety concerns, substance use, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, unsafe online relationships, school refusal, aggression, trauma symptoms, or repeated failed attempts to reduce use at home. A licensed professional can help determine the right level of care.

Is screen addiction connected to substance use?

It can be. Screen addiction and substance use are different concerns, but both may function as ways to escape distress, seek reward, or manage painful emotions. Digital spaces may also expose teens to risky peer groups or substance-related content. A clinical assessment can help determine whether both issues need treatment.

Crisis and safety note

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical, mental health, or crisis care. If your teen may hurt herself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Families outside the U.S. should contact local emergency services or a regional crisis hotline. For diagnosis or treatment recommendations, consult a licensed mental health professional.

References

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (2026). Screen time and children. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025). Screen time guidelines. Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/qa-portal/qa-portal-library/qa-portal-library-questions/screen-time-guidelines/

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Substance-related and addictive disorders. https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM-5-Substance-Use-Disorder.pdf

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Internet gaming disorder. https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM-5-Internet-Gaming-Disorder.pdf

Basenach, L., Renneberg, B., Salbach, H., Dreier, M., & Wölfling, K. (2023). Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of treatment interventions for Internet use disorders: Critical analysis of the methodical quality according to the PRISMA guidelines. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 12(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00087

Prospective association between screen use modalities and substance use experimentation in early adolescents. (2024). Drug and Alcohol Dependence. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871624014297

Xiao, Y., et al. (2025). Addictive screen use trajectories and suicidal behaviors, suicidal ideation, and mental health in U.S. youths. JAMA. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.7829

love learning - Solstice RTC

How to Help Your Child Love Learning Again
How to Help Your Child Love Learning Again 2560 1707 Angela Johnson

In today’s fast-paced world, fostering a love for learning in your teenage child can be challenging, especially if they are going through a difficult time. However, instilling a passion for knowledge is crucial for their personal and academic development. 

This blog post will explore practical strategies to help your child rediscover their love for learning, empowering them to thrive academically and beyond.

Create a Supportive Learning Environment:

One of the first steps in reigniting your child’s love for learning is establishing a nurturing and supportive environment at home. An environment that supports intellectual exploration should include the following: 

Open Communication: Encourage open and honest discussions about their interests, goals, and challenges. Let them know that you support them throughout their educational journey.

Established Routines: Help them set a structured routine with designated study time, breaks, and leisure activities. Consistency and organization can boost focus and motivation.

A Dedicated Study Space: Create a quiet, comfortable study area without distractions. Personalize the space with inspiring quotes, artwork, or items that reflect their interests.

Discover Her Passion:

Help your child identify their passions and interests. Learning becomes more engaging and enjoyable when it aligns with our natural inclinations. Here are a few strategies:

Encourage Exploration: Help them study and experience various subjects, activities, and hobbies. This allows them to explore and discover their true interests.

Provide Experiential Learning Opportunities: Take them on educational outings by visiting museums, art galleries, or science centers. These experiences can ignite curiosity and encourage a deeper connection with different subjects.

Support Extracurricular Activities: Encourage involvement in clubs, sports teams, or community organizations that align with their interests. These activities can foster a sense of belonging, motivation, and personal growth.

Tailor Learning to Her Style:

Every individual has a unique learning style. Understanding and accommodating their preferred style can make learning more enjoyable. Consider the following examples:

Visual Learners: Incorporate visual aids such as colorful charts, diagrams, and mind maps to help them grasp and retain information.

Auditory Learners: Encourage them to listen to educational podcasts and audiobooks or participate in group discussions to reinforce learning.

Kinesthetic Learners: Provide hands-on activities or experiments that allow them to physically engage with the subject matter. Incorporate movement, role-playing, or interactive games to enhance learning.

Emphasize Real-World Applications:

Help your child connect their classroom learning to real-life situations to make it more meaningful. Incorporate the following ideas into your plan:

Show Relevance: Highlight how different subjects relate to their interests, future career aspirations, or solving real-world problems. This helps them understand the practical applications of what they’re learning.

Field Trips and Guest Speakers: Organize visits from professionals or experts in various fields to share their experiences and demonstrate the practical side of learning.

Project-Based Learning: Encourage them to tackle projects that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. This approach fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.

Foster a Growth Mindset:

Promote a growth mindset emphasizing effort, resilience, and the belief that abilities can be developed over time. Though you can remind them to do these things, it is often best to lead by example!

Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Teach your child to reframe negative thoughts into positive ones. Remind them that mistakes are growth opportunities and that learning is a lifelong journey.

Set Realistic Goals: Help them set achievable goals that can be broken down into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone to boost their motivation and confidence.

Provide Encouragement and Support: Offer praise for their efforts, progress, and achievements. Tell them you believe in their abilities and that any setbacks they encounter are temporary.

Don’t Give Up

Rekindling your child’s love for learning requires patience, understanding, and an environment that supports their holistic growth. By creating a supportive atmosphere, helping them discover their passions, tailoring learning to their style, emphasizing real-world applications, and fostering a growth mindset, you can empower them to embrace education with renewed enthusiasm. 

Remember, every step counts, and with your unwavering support, they can rediscover the joy of learning and flourish academically and beyond.

bullying in teens
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Bullying is a Big Deal: The Lasting Effects of Bullying in Teens
Bullying is a Big Deal: The Lasting Effects of Bullying in Teens 640 426 The Solstice Team

During the teen years, friendships and peer relationships begin to feel more important to young adults than their family relationships. While this is a normal part of becoming more independent, it does mean that these teens are experiencing increased opportunities for bullying. Social dynamics are beginning to shift at school or within their friend groups and peers begin to establish themselves outside of their own family unit. Teens are spending more time away from home by themselves for gatherings or after-school activities. Teens are also spending more time on their devices which exposes them to even more opportunities for bullying. When we look at all of these things combined, it is easy to see how prevalent bullying can be during the teen years. According to a 2019 report, about 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide. 19% of students in grades 9–12 report being bullied on school property in the 12 months prior to the survey and An estimated 14.9% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.

Bullying goes beyond temporary or short-lived emotional pain. Bullying has serious effects on one’s health. Did you know bullying can cause physical changes in the brain and result in an increased chance of mental illness? Researchers predict that the prevention of high school bullying could result in lifetime benefits of more than 1 million dollars per individual. Putting an end to bullying in teens requires learning about its effects and engaging the whole community in the mission.

What Bullying Looks Like

Bullying comes in many different forms, especially for today’s teens. While we may assume that bullying means a shove in the hallway or hazing in sports teams, the reality is that there are many factors for bullying that include physical and emotional abuse. A few examples of types of bullying include:

  • Physical bullying: This kind of bullying includes a range of aggressive behaviors in which one person aims to cause bodily harm to another person.
  • Verbal bullying: Some people say that “words will never hurt you,” but anyone who has been on the receiving end of verbal bullying knows that cruel words and scary threats can, indeed, be very painful.
  • Relational bullying: In relational bullying, kids use friendship, and the threat of taking their friendship away, to hurt others. This is the type of bullying most often referred to as “drama.” Because it often happens within the context of a once trusting friendship, drama can be especially confusing and hurtful. This can begin to present itself even in children at a young age.
  • Cyberbullying is a specific form of bullying that involves technology: Cyberbullying can be especially destructive because of how quickly and how widely cruel messages can spread.

The Dangers of Bullying

Research suggests that children and youth who are bullied over time are more likely than those not bullied to experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. They also are more likely to be lonely and want to avoid school. Experiencing bullying can also have physical effects such as a loss of sleep or feelings of general illness such as headaches and stomach aches.

Chronic bullying is the term that refers to bullying that occurs repeatedly over time. Studies showed that adolescents who experienced chronic bullying were linked to changes in brain volume and changes in anxiety levels at age 19. This finding is what connected the effects of bullying with mental health issues.

Cyberbullying is especially prevalent and dangerous for today’s teens. Young adults have access to each other at all times of the day or night across multiple platforms thanks to smartphones and computers. Teens communicate through everything from text messages to TikTok to online gaming. With so many platforms, it can be difficult to track who is communicating to your teen and when. Cyberbullying can be especially devastating for teens because it so often includes more than one bully. Group texts that taunt. Instagram comments that criticism. It can feel completely overwhelming to teens and make them believe that everyone hates them. Cyberbullying has unique concerns in that it can be:

  • Persistent: Digital devices offer an ability to immediately and continuously communicate 24 hours a day, so it can be difficult for children experiencing cyberbullying to find relief.
  • Permanent: Most information communicated electronically is permanent and public, if not reported and removed. A negative online reputation, including for those who bully, can impact college admissions, employment, and other areas of life.
  • Hard to Notice: Because teachers and parents may not overhear or see cyberbullying taking place, it is harder to recognize.

How You Can Help

Seeing your child experience bullying can be heartbreaking and leave you feeling powerless. Every parent wants their child to feel safe and supported, but because bullying can be insidious, it may be difficult for parents to recognize. Since it is unrealistic for parents to be with their children 24 hours a day, how can you help your teen? Here are tools you can use to help address bullying within your own home:

  • Look for signs. You should watch for signs in your child that he or they may be being bullied. Don’t expect them to tell you. Ripped clothing, marks on skin, dread going to school, decreased appetite, crying, general anxiety and depression, or nightmares could be signs indicating issues with peers at school. From here, don’t tell them to toughen up. 
  • Create a conversation. Learn about the situation and grasp an understanding of what is going on. Don’t encourage your child to fight back, instead assure them that you will help them work through the situation.
  • Work on coping skills. Teach your teen how to overcome bullying without feeling weak or defeated. Practice at home. Give them scenarios where they practice walking away or using assertive behaviors for coping with bullies. Also talk to them about resources they can seek out when they are worried about bullies.
  • Set social boundaries. Cyberbullying is at an all-time high with the growing access and popularity of social media. Educate yourself and your child on how to properly use social media. Don’t forward emails or threatening messages. Don’t post inappropriate photos or comments. These are all things that should be addressed.

Residential Treatment for Healing

For some young women, the effects of bullying last far longer than the event itself. And while there are ways that parents can support them at home, they may need additional support and structure to work through the trauma of being bullied. In these cases, a residential treatment center like Solstice RTC may be the answer. 

The emotional culture or “milieu” of our program is a critical factor in the healing process. A strong sense of emotional and physical safety is paramount so that the girls and assigned females at birth feel protected in the deeply sensitive work they do. Furthermore, the daily interactions and behaviors of the girls and assigned females at birth in and among their teammates are reflective of how they are progressing in their journey.

Daily interactions with peers and staff are best illustrated by the levels of responsibility they are developing, as well as the respect and care they invest in their relationships. Given this, the role of the residential program and the therapeutic impact it has in the lives of the students we serve is vitally important in creating a safe and healing culture.

When a new student arrives at Solstice RTC, they are assigned a “big sister”, another student that has advanced in their progress enough to be ready to support a new student. The big sister plays a vital role of an immediate friend, a source of information and guidance to the new student. They focus on helping their “little sister” feel welcomed and cared about during the first weeks following admission.

At Solstice RTC, our milieu culture combined with a built-in community can help our students begin to build relationships and trust with their peers. Young women and assigned female at birth can use tools such as group therapy, adventure therapy, and community service to work through their past trauma around peer relationships due to bullying. 

Solstice West RTC Can Help

Solstice West RTC is a program for young girls and assigned females at birth ages 12-18 who struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addictive behaviors, and/or relationship struggles. This program provides individual, group, and family therapy to help students heal and improve from every angle. Fitness, nutrition, and academics also play an important role in this program. 

Our approach to change emphasizes student’s strengths within a therapeutic culture where acceptance, change, and growth are supported and valued. Positive relationships characterized by emotional safety are at the crux of this process. Students embark on a therapeutic journey that fosters relationships and a thorough understanding of themselves and those around them. Solstice gives teens the skills and help they need to transition into the world feeling confident, happy, healthy, and capable of self-managing. We can help your family today! For more information please call us at 801-919-8858.

mindful new year
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Starting the New Year Strong: Mindfulness Practices for A Fresh Start
Starting the New Year Strong: Mindfulness Practices for A Fresh Start 2560 1707 The Solstice Team

After all of the challenges, heartache, and nonstop stream of negativity that 2020 brought to our world, 2021 presents an opportunity to reset our mindsets and start the new year intentionally with a fresh perspective. One way we can achieve this is through practicing mindfulness. A growing body of research supports the benefits mindfulness can have on our minds and bodies such as improved memory, heightened awareness, lowered anxiety, and reduced stress.

Mindfulness practices you can employ to restart and refresh your mind for the new year

While it’s common to conflate mindfulness with meditation, mindfulness encompasses so much more than the practice of meditation. Essentially, mindfulness is the moment to moment awareness of one’s experiences without judgment. This state of mindfulness or being aware is something that we can continually practice as we try to pay attention on purpose to the present moment.

Because mindfulness is fostered through regular practice, the first important step is putting aside time each day to engage in a mindfulness activity. Select a time of day where you will be able to engage in your practice uninterrupted, and commit to practicing every day.

Once you’ve set aside dedicated time to commit to your practice, it’s time to try performing various mindfulness practices. Different practices work better for different people, so it’s a good idea to vary up your exercises to see what works best for you. Try these mindfulness exercises to restart and refresh your mind in 2021:

1.) Bodyscan – During a Body Scan exercise, you deliberately focus inward on your body and what each part of your body is feeling. Is it pain, tension, calm? The task here is to develop an awareness of sensations in different parts of your body without trying to change them, only noticing them.

2.) Three-minute breathing – There are 3 steps to this practice, and the first is to attend to what is. Take note of the environment around you without attempting to change what you are experiencing. Then focus on your breath, noticing what happens when you breathe in and out. Lastly, focus your attention on your body and any sensations you may be feeling. Practice this technique here.

3.) Mindful stretching/yoga – Physically experiencing mindfulness can help to bring awareness to the mind-body connection. While you are stretching, bring attention to your breath while thinking about how your body feels. While engaging in this activity, try to focus only on the present sensations and not external, distracting thoughts.

4.) Mindful breathing while focusing on thoughts – For this practice sit somewhere quiet in a seated position. Focus deeply on your breathing, inhaling for 3 seconds and exhaling for 3 seconds. Continuing to focus on your breath, notice as your mind wanders and bring your attention back to the breath, again inhaling for 3 seconds and exhaling for 3 seconds.

5.) Mindful walks – When you are on a walk give your full attention to the experience of walking. Instead of walking on autopilot like we usually do, deliberately think about each step you are taking. Feel the ground beneath your feet, notice what this feels like as well as noticing the sights, smells, and sounds around you. Bringing attention to our everyday actions allows us to experience the mundane with a sense of newness.

If you are struggling to get started, there are some incredible mindfulness apps that you can download to help you with your practice. Try Headspace, Calm, Aura, or smiling mind to help you get started on your journey.

Solstice RTC Can Help

Solstice RTC is a leading residential treatment program for young girls and assigned female at birth ages 14-17 that has been specifically designed to help teen students on their journey toward healing by utilizing a blend of therapeutic techniques based on both traditional and holistic treatment methods.

Our holistic approach accounts for the fact that our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational selves are all bound together. We uniquely approach change, emphasizing students’ strengths within a therapeutic culture where acceptance, change, and growth are supported and valued. For more information on how Solstice RTC could help, please call (866) 278-3345.

accept your past
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Overcoming Shame: How to Accept Your Past
Overcoming Shame: How to Accept Your Past 1920 2560 The Solstice Team

Shame is a complicated emotion and one we all have dealt with at one time or another. Shame comes from feeling powerless and frustrated. For people who experience shame linked to trauma, it is a continued shock at the realization that this terrible thing actually happened to them. Sometimes, people living with shame are unable to break free from the spiral of negative emotions. It becomes something that is ingrained in their day to day life. If you feel like shame is taking over your life, it may be time to seek out strategies for dealing with those emotions. 

Overcoming Shame

Shame is uncomfortable and it is understandable that many people would rather ignore or hide their shame rather than confront it. But it is important to deal with your feelings of shame in order to overcome them and accept your past. Here are a few tips for working through those feelings of shame:

  1. Practice Self-Affirmation: Oftentimes, people dealing with shame also struggle with being compassionate with themselves. Shame may also manifest as doubt, where you believe, “I can’t do that” or “I don’t deserve that”. When this is your constant internal dialogue it is easy to get stuck in those feelings of doubt and shame. Instead, try shifting your narrative: I am worthy and deserving” or “My feelings are valid”. Practicing these affirmations can help the positive voice drown out the one rooted in shame. 
  2. Bring Your Feelings Into the Light: Shame thrives in secrecy and darkness, but the less you talk about your shame, the more power it has over you. Getting beyond shame means acknowledging it and sharing your experiences with the people you trust. Talking through those feelings of shame helps you gain perspective about the situation. 
  3. Meditation and Mindfulness: A mindfulness practice encourages you to slow down and be in the moment. When you feel drawn into those thoughts of shame, mindfulness allows you to take a step back and notice those feelings without judgment. Being in the moment allows you to respond to those emotions rather than reacting to them. 
  4. Seek Out Help: Talking through your feelings and experiences with friends and family can be helpful. But to truly process and work through those feelings of shame, especially when they are tied to trauma, working with a mental health professional is crucial. Unresolved shame can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Talking about the emotional pain you feel is a powerful step in the healing process. A therapist can help you create a treatment plan and strategies for dealing with those emotions as they come up in the future. 

Solstice RTC Can Help

Our mission is to support adolescents and their families in developing excellence in relationships, influence, character, and health throughout their life journey. Through relationship-based programming, we help students restore and rebuild healthy, close relationships with their families, peers, and staff.

With a road map influenced by the archetypal Hero’s Journey, each student walks a unique and very personal path towards discovering the hero within. Students and families progress through the stages of this journey at their own pace. Although the journey is their own, they do not travel it alone. This journey is about people, discovery, growth and mastery. For more information please call (866) 278-3345.

effects of social media
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How Does Social Media Effect Body Image in Teen Girls?
How Does Social Media Effect Body Image in Teen Girls? 2560 1707 The Solstice Team

Body image struggles are not a new problem for teen girls. Eating disorders are a subject covered in most high school health classes and many people can remember a time in their teen lives where they stood in front of a mirror, critiquing one body part or another. We compared ourselves to the faces and bodies we saw in magazines or movies. And while our exposure to how people are portrayed in the media was prevalent, it is nothing compared to the overwhelming and constant barrage of images teen girls and assigned female at birth face today through social media.

How Does Social Media Affect Body Image?

Parents know that teen girls and assigned female at birth can spend hours of their day on social media. Social media can be great at connecting people, but sometimes that connection can have negative effects. Continuous scrolling through pictures of perfectly photoshopped people in beautiful locations, or ads for the newest way to get fit and lose weight can have an incredible negative effect on a teen girl’s mental health and body image. There are filters that hide all their “flaws”, or mirror angles that “best” show their shape. It becomes difficult to see all of those images and not start to compare themselves to what they see on the screen. 

A 2019 study showed that even 30 minutes a day increased teens’ feelings of anxiety, depression, poor self-image, and loneliness. Adolescents who spend more than 3 hours per day using social media may be at heightened risk for mental health problems, particularly internalizing problems. Another study reported that “a clear pattern of association was found between [social media] usage and [disordered eating] cognitions and behaviors with this exploratory study confirming that these relationships occur at younger‐age than previously investigated.”, which is a concerning finding for parents of tweens and teens. 

Steps Towards Positive Body Image

So how can you help your teen child who may be struggling with body image issues? The first step may be talking to your child and understanding their concerns and how they feels about their own body image. What kind of content does they find triggering or upsetting? Then, you can talk about putting limits on the kind of social media your child is being exposed to. If they knows celebrity accounts cause their anxiety, or make their start comparing, encourage their to block or unfollow those accounts. Does they notice that interacting with some online friends brings on negative feelings? Explore what it would be like to avoid those interactions. Discuss with your child what makes their feel good and what makes their feel bad when they uses social media. 

Next, you can set some limits around how much time they are spending on social media. We know that studies show an increase of negative mental health effects with longer amounts of time on social media, so limiting that time can help your child get out of their negative headspace. 

Once you have established some ground rules about the amount of time she’s spending on social media, you can fill that time with activities that your child enjoys. Even better, with activities that help their appreciate what their body can do. The feeling of their strong legs during soccer, or their powerful lungs when they sings. Create opportunities for their to celebrate everything their body does for their daily. 

Solstice RTC Can Help

Solstice is a groundbreaking residential treatment center for adolescent girls and assigned female at birth that emphasizes the mind-body connection in our unique approach to holistic healthcare. Decades of experience in successfully helping teenagers has allowed us to develop consistently effective treatment philosophies and approaches to healing emotional and behavioral struggles in teens and their families. With the constantly evolving combination of needs in adolescents, these philosophies and program components allow us to effectively address individual adolescent struggles and inspire change that heals students, their families, and produces lasting results. For more information please call (866) 278-3345.

bullying and self esteem
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How Does Bullying Affect Self-Esteem in Teens?
How Does Bullying Affect Self-Esteem in Teens? 2560 1707 The Solstice Team

Sometimes it can feel like bullying has become more and more prevalent in teens. Consistent torment by peers can take a toll on teens particularly in the way they view themselves or on their self-esteem. Studies show that teens who are repeatedly bullied have lower reports of self esteem and higher rates of depression and anxiety. However, parents can have an important role in decreasing the effect of bullying. One study from the University of Missouri says that if teens feel a sense of belonging, either with their family or peers, the less likely they will be a victim or even engage in bullying behaviors. 

Self Esteem and Bullying

Engaging with your daughter, asking open ended questions about their day can help parents create and maintain a connection that can make your teen feel more secure.  This relationship can be an important source of support for your daughter. If they experiences bullying they are more likely to come to you if there is a secure and open relationship in place.  

Another factor in how self-esteem is affected by bullying is a decrease in social and communication skills. As parents, it’s important to encourage these behaviors with specific praises focusing on behavior such as “Wow you did a really good job talking to your teacher today” or “I really like how good of a friend you are”. If your child is feeling down and being hard on herself, expressing out loud some positive traits that you see in their can be really helpful for combating negative self-talk. Keeping up a positive commentary of how much your child means to you can also be beneficial even if they don’t reciprocate. Remember, they always hear you even if they don’t show it. 

Finding Help at Solstice West

If your child is struggling with low self esteem and bullying, Solstice West can help. We are a residential treatment center with a focus on helping teens struggling with mental health challenges related to trauma. Learn more about our program by calling out admissions team at 866-278-3345.

risky teen behavior
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Risky Teen Behaviors: Differences Between Positive and Negative Risks
Risky Teen Behaviors: Differences Between Positive and Negative Risks 640 426 The Solstice Team

The teenage years are the years in which one develops the desire to fit in. This desire may come with a high cost. During the adolescent years, opportunity and risk seem all the more appealing. A maturational imbalance may prevent teens from good decision-making during this period in their lives as well. While learning from our silly mistakes is an important part of growing up, teens still need guidance on how to better navigate themselves away from risky teen behaviors and towards a rewarding future. First, one must learn the difference between positive and negative risks. Here are some defining characteristics:

Positive risks: benefits an individual’s well-being, legal, socially acceptable, does not present severe negative consequences

Negative risks: harmful towards an individual’s well-being, illegal, socially unacceptable, may have severe consequences

The Risks Our Teens Should Take

As puberty hits so does a new wave of potential risks. As a parent, it is important to acknowledge these risks and learn to address them head on with your child. It is your job to put an emphasis on the good as a way to prevent the bad. First, you should know your child and their risky behaviors. Here are some signs that indicate that your child is a positive risk taker:

  • Internalizes family values
  • Has strong bonds to society
  • Possesses important socially-desirable long-term goals (academic or other)
  • Feels they have more to lose by taking negative risks
  • Is influenced by peers who take positive risks

The Four Friendly Risk Types

As a parent you should constantly suggest new ways to take positive risks for your teen. This starts with a conversation and then you can help them put it into action. Physical, social, academic, and extracurricular risks are a couple of categories you should consider talking with your teen able. What they are drawn to will vary based off of their personal interests. Here’s some ideas to get you started:

Physical Risks:

  • Try a new sport
  • Pursue a new fitness goal

Social Risks:

  • Spend time with a new group of people
  • Arrive at a party without knowing anyone
  • Attend a summer camp without friends
  • Attend a rally and hold up a sign 
  • Stand up for something you believe in at school even if it is unpopular
  • Pursue a new friendship with the risk of rejection

Academic Risks:

  • Sign up for a challenging AP course
  • Take a class you know nothing about
  • Join a club that interests you
  • Run for a school office position

Extracurricular Risks:

  • Adopt a new hobby
  • Learn to play an instrument
  • Start your own babysitting business or dog walking
  • Set goals to read more in your free time

Solstice West Residential Treatment Center Can Help

Solstice West Residential Treatment Center is a program for young girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18 who struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addictive behaviors, and/or relationship struggles. This program provides individual, group, and family therapy to help students heal and improve from every angle. Fitness, nutrition, and academics also play an important role in this program. Solstice gives teens the skills and help they need to transition into the world feeling confident, happy, healthy, and capable. We can help your family today!

Contact us at (866) 278-3345

 

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Why Instagram Could Be Worse for Your Child with Low Self Esteem
Why Instagram Could Be Worse for Your Child with Low Self Esteem 1200 675 The Solstice Team

Social media is embedded in most of our daily lives today, few will dispute that. Adults are known to have at least a Facebook profile, while teens are known to have all the social media accounts under the sun–but what are the effects of this? New studies are showing that unfettered social media use may be harmful to teens, especially a child with low self esteem.

Study shows Instagram is most harmful to mental health

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world with over 700 million users. The app is centered on photos users post; other users can comment and “like” the post if they choose.

There’s still a vast amount of information we don’t know about the effects of social media on young brains, which is why RSPH and the Young Health Movement decided to conduct a study.

The study, #StatusOfMind, discovered Instagram to be the top contributor to negative mental health effects in youth–while YouTube was the most (and only) positive platform. The study involved almost 1,500 young people, ranging in age from 14 to 24.

child with low self esteemThe results showed that Instagram was particularly hard on young girls’ mental health–which could be especially alarming if you have a child with low self esteem.

Why Instagram is causing issues

The issue with Instagram has to do with the photos being posted. The majority of photos posted on Instagram of people have been altered with either a filter or other technical modifications–which means they’re often not showing what people really look like, they’re showing the “perfected” version.

The version with clear skin. The version with slimmer legs. The version that doesn’t exist.

For a child with low self esteem, they may scroll through Instagram seeing all of these “perfect” girls and assigned female at birth with “perfect” skin and “perfect” bodies–this may cause their to feel worse about herself because they doesn’t look like those girls, even though they don’t even look like that in real life.

While the researchers agree that it’s not realistic to “ban” filters or photoshop, they are pushing for these platforms to step up and work out a way to let people know an image isn’t showing reality. This would allow teens to see that they’re comparing themselves to something that’s no more real than a fairytale.

We need to teach our children how to use social media in healthy, positive ways that help them connect with others–not degrade their sense of self-worth to how many “likes” they can get on a photo.

If you believe your child is struggling with a mental health issue, it’s critical to reach out to a professional for further guidance.

Solstice is here for your child with low self esteem

Solstice is a groundbreaking residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18. Our girls and assigned female at birth often grapple with depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral problems when they come to us.

Through a unique combination of therapeutic programs based upon both traditional and holistic mental health treatment, we treat our clients with age and gender specific techniques. We strive to empower teenage people with the ability to believe in themselves and provide the tools and motivation required to instill these beliefs for life.

For more information about how we can help your child with low self esteem at Solstice, please contact us at (866) 278-3345.

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Self Identity in Teens: Social Media Is Getting in the Way
Self Identity in Teens: Social Media Is Getting in the Way 1280 854 The Solstice Team

The shaping of self identity in teens is one of the most important and most vulnerable processes of our lives. The self identity that we build during the adolescent years follows us into adulthood, which makes it an extremely critical period of time. Social media could be negatively affecting it, though.

We live in a world where nearly every teenager has access to social media, whether it’s through their own device, a friend’s, or a shared one at home. This level of connectivity has opened many doors in the way of communication, but it has also brought about questions of the negative impact it can have on forming minds.

Social media can negatively impact young girls

self identity in teensSocial media is largely based on looks. We already know that the images and expectations depicted by the media can be incredibly harmful on a young girl’s forming mind, social media just makes it easier to pass along those messages.

While social media is an inspirational and revolutionary means of connecting with others, focusing on appearances is never good for a girl’s mental health–and that’s exactly what social media tends to focus on and “reward” with likes.

Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook (just to name a few) are among the most used social media platforms by adolescents, and they all heavily rely on the approval of others through “likes” and comments.

If self identity in teens is based on how many “likes” you receive on a post, then there’s always going to be someone who has more, and for that person, there’s always going to be someone who has more, and so on. It’s a vicious cycle that makes absolutely no sense.

Many teen girls and assigned female at birth strive to get the coolest and most perfect photos just for their online presence to appear “active” and “fun”–even if they’re not actually having fun in real life. This type of behavior and thinking can lead to mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

Self identity in teens needs to be nourished and built by more than just “likes” and shares on social media. As parents, it’s our job to step in and offer support if we notice our child isn’t basing their self-worth on things that truly matter.

If you believe your child truly is struggling, it’s imperative to reach out to a professional for guidance.

Solstice is here for your daughter

Solstice is a groundbreaking residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18. Our girls and assigned female at birth often grapple with depression, issues with self identity in teens, low self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral problems when they come to us.

Through a unique combination of therapeutic programs based upon both traditional and holistic mental health treatment, we treat our clients with age and gender specific techniques. We strive to empower teenage people with the ability to believe in themselves and provide the tools and motivation required to instill these beliefs for life.

For more information about how we help self identity in teens at Solstice, please contact us at (866) 278-3345.

 

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