Drugs and alcohol are unfortunately a big part of many adolescents’ lives. Some students are prone to addiction, for others their use is a symptom of something else they are trying (unsuccessfully) to manage. Many young people use substances for acceptance or as a way to avoid challenges. Still others “self-medicate” when they feel anxious or depressed. Drug and alcohol use during adolescence interferes with brain development, period. We can help you determine what your child’s drug or alcohol use is about and find a place to keep them safe, address the real issues, and give them skills for sobriety.

One of the ways adolescents can take the pressure off of themselves in regard to behavior or expectations is to create havoc within the family system. By getting parents to question themselves or each other, the child can avoid and deflect their own negative behavior or stay unproductive (drugs, gaming, school refusal, etc.). By objectively viewing the family system we can help parents regain control and set clear expectations. Teens and young adults like boundaries but often fight them when they have been absent. We help parents navigate this process and develop appropriate boundaries.

A child that has been labeled “borderline” or who is manipulating or using negative coping such as “cutting” or other self-harm can throw a family into chaos and fear. Often times these children have had hospitalizations or have been involved in school- and community-based prevention programs to address these behaviors. These teens and young adults are often searching for real connections but instead create problems and drama that dig themselves deeper into a pattern. We find specific treatments and programs to help families and students develop better connections and coping to break destructive patterns.

The teenager’s “job” is to attend school and engage in activities outside the home so can they begin to develop a sense of self separate from their parents. When a child refuses to participate in school, it is typically not purely an academic issue. Anxiety, depression, learning differences, and social difficulties are often at the root of this challenge. We find nurturing environments that will gradually get your child back on track so they can be successful both academically and socially in a school environment.

Many young people find meaning and social acceptance through internet gaming. Others are obsessed with social media or even pornography. Computers, smartphones, and social media are here to stay and young people must learn to manage these instruments. We work with programs that address technology dependence and help your child become more grounded in reality and give them skills to integrate technology into their lives in a balanced way.

Parenting adolescents can be challenging for all parents and adopted children often have additional challenges during these years. Attachment issues and identity issues come bubbling up, and they can look like many of the challenges discussed on this page. Parents find themselves at a loss as to how to help. We work with programs that specialize in this process and involve parents every step of the way to strengthen relationships.

When a child is on the autism spectrum many parents struggle to find ways to meet the unique challenges posed. The range of behaviors and severity of these specific issues make it imperative that the right services are in place to help the adolescent or young adult function at his or her potential. We can help with testing and resources for families including school and young adult placements.