When someone has a physical issue or disorder, it’s hard for people not to notice. Many times, the individual’s pain and suffering are apparent. However, with a mental disorder, the individual suffers in silence. We sometimes forget how lucky we are that depression and anxiety are but temporary issues in our lives. That’s not the…
Teens who are starting to figure out where they fit along the LGBTQIA+ spectrum may find themselves feeling alienated from their peers and even their family. That kind of isolation can drive them to seek out drugs and alcohol as a form of relief. That can make the symptoms of already existing problems like depression…
Many teens experience intense emotions due to hormone changes, high stress, and academic pressures. Yet, teen anxiety is more complicated. Parents may find it challenging for those with teen anxiety symptoms to know when a real mental health disorder is present. By providing proper help for teen anxiety, it is possible to help them become…
While vaping is more culturally accepted than smoking cigarettes, this doesn’t mean it’s safer. Vape use by teens has skyrocketed in recent years due to advertising, peer pressure, and stress. Many of the side effects of vaping (also known as e-cigarettes) are not well known because vaping technology is still relatively new. One thing is…
National LGBTQIA+ Health Awareness Week is meant to highlight the difficulties that many in the community have regarding getting treatment for health, addiction, and mental health issues. Existing LGBTQIA+ health disparities mean that individuals often run into problems with discrimination, having their partnerships recognized, and finding resources that allow them to get the help they…
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc throughout the U.S. and the world. Normal routines like going to school and work got disrupted, resulting in many people ending up in social isolation, away from those they relied on for vital daily connections. Many teenagers felt the impact of safety restrictions, participating in virtual learning in a…
People often worry about different aspects of life, especially teenagers adjusting to internal and external changes. It’s one thing to have concerns about when everything seems hectic and complicated. It’s another thing entirely when those worries start consuming your existence. Male anxiety can present different symptoms than those seen in females. Teen anxiety can be hard for…
Parents often find themselves without the knowledge or resources to help a teen with mental health issues. They may mistake behaviors that are symptoms of mental illness as willfulness or general teen angst. While there is no official national teen mental health day, you can pick one to increase your awareness of the effects of…
Self-Injury Awareness Day is recognized internationally on March 1st. The event brings awareness about the prevalence of self-harm among individuals. Past research has shown that up to 4% of adults and 15% of adolescents acted out some form of self-harm. The increased self-injury rates among young people have caused Destination for Teens to address the issue. What…
Teen depression isn’t normal. It is not healthy nor normal for teens to exhibit clinical depression symptoms, even though they may be moody and find it difficult to express themselves. For parents who see the signs of depression in their teenager’s behavior and actions, it is essential to seek treatment. Destinations for Teens can provide…
Destinations For Teens staff are actively getting vaccinated through the county and the hope is to have the majority of our staff vaccinated by the end of January, 2021. Destinations For Teens is likewise committed to educating staff to the benefits of vaccinating and to providing access to the vaccine to all employees. By minimizing the risk of transmission, Destinations For Teens is working hard to protect its clients, families and employees from contracting the COVID-19 virus.
A dedicated COVID-19 task force, including our Medical Director, Clinical Director and our Director of Nursing, provides written materials and verbal education and training to all staff. In the words of Dr. Baback Gabbay, Destinations For Teens Chief Medical Director, the message could not be simpler: "We are committed to the health and well-being of our patients and families. Our staff is committed to the CDC recommend cleaning protocols and have been fortunate to receive the Moderna or Pzifer Covid vaccine this week. Vaccination is important in order to help keep all our employees and the families we serve safe".
In addition to distributing vaccinations, Destinations For Teens facilities has implemented the following procedures for all in-person programs:
• Established a revised screening process for admissions, including questions about recent fevers, travel and mandated negative COVID-19 test results. Anyone who poses a risk to our centers will not be admitted.
• Implement active screening of residents and staff for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Remind residents to practice social distancing and perform frequent hand hygiene.
• Screen all staff at the beginning of their shift for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Actively take the staff’s temperature and document absence of shortness of breath, new or change in cough, and sore throat. If they are ill, have them put on a facemask and self-isolate at home.
• Destinations For Teens has revised how they interact with vendors and receiving supplies and equipment, and other non-health care providers (e.g., food delivery, etc.), and take necessary actions to prevent any potential transmission. For example, supply vendors transport supplies to dedicated locations versus inside of facilities.
• In lieu of in-person visits, facilities are offering alternative means of communication for people who would otherwise visit, such as virtual communications (phone, video-communication, etc.)
• Creating/increasing communication to update families, such as advising to not visit.
• Assigning staff as primary contact to families for inbound calls and conduct regular outbound calls to keep families up to date.