Before the bell rings and new books are cracked open, Destinations for Teens advises parents to share their own lessons with their teenage children — how to avoid the temptation of drugs and alcohol they may encounter from peers this school year. Sasha DeCania, who has a master’s of social work and is a licensed…
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By Cynthia Della Ripa, LMFT – There is a wide variety of problems that are facing youth today. It can be a world of confusion and chaos taking place during a crucial stage of adolescent growth and development. Youth can learn how to live a mentally, physically and socially healthy life. This means helping youth…
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By George Livengood – Program Director, Canon House Do you remember moping around the house as a kid and mom saying, “Go outside and play!”? Mom was onto something. There are numerous studies that indicate exercise is helpful in reducing depression. There is no one identifiable reason as to why it works. So let’s look…
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By Jesaca Lepper, MFT – Ventura PHP/IOP Creative therapies are very important and valuable for adolescent treatment therapy. Adolescents often benefit from different treatment modalities that do not only focus on cognitive interventions and strictly “talk therapy.” Adolescent brains are still growing and sometimes experiences can unlock and express deeper feelings. There are many artistic modalities…
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On Sunday, August 7, Destinations to Recovery partnered with two other local treatment facilities (Engage and Changing Tides Treatment) for our first annual Ventura Beach Clean Up event. Over 100 participants joined together to clean the beach by Ventura’s famed pier. Participants ranged from staff and clients of the treatment centers to locals who wanted to give back…
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By Alyse Rose, MSW, Assistant Program Director, Woodland Hills Millions of Americans are affected by mental illnesses, and although we have made strides in increasing awareness of mental illness, stigmas and stereotypes continue to prevent many from seeking the services they need. It is important to stay updated and aware of facts and stereotypes about…
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By Parviz Nafari, MFT, Woodland Hills PHP/IOP As children grow and go through a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional changes, it can become more and more difficult to distinguish between normal teenage “moodiness” and a legitimate mental health concern. Teens are often not able to articulate their thoughts and emotions easily, which makes…
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By Ani Thomson, MFTi, Woodland Hills, PHP/IOP It’s normal for teens to experience symptoms of anxiety, especially when it comes to school. There is usually pressure to succeed, to get good grades, and to fit in with their peers. All of these pressures can lead to an internal worry that has the potential to grow…
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