While most parents are increasingly vigilant about the dangers of marijuana and alcohol, a hidden threat lurks in many homes – nitrous oxide, commonly found in products like canned whipped cream. This seemingly harmless household item can provide a rapid, risky high. Understanding the dangers of whippets and recognizing the signs of abuse can be crucial in preventing severe health consequences for young adults. What Are Whippets? Whippets involve inhaling nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas. When someone inhales this substance, it rapidly enters the bloodstream, leading to an almost ..read more

Adolescence is a pivotal chapter in life, marked by rapid changes and significant growth. However, it’s also a time when many teens experience a decline in their mental health. For example, anxiety can profoundly impact your child’s daily life, relationships, and academic performance. Anxiety disorders are increasingly common among American teens, and recognizing anxiety’s defining characteristics is crucial for getting your child early intervention, support, and guidance. The Forum specializes in comprehensive mental health treatment for teens between the ages of 12 and 17, fostering an envir ..read more

Teen substance abuse is a public health crisis and a heartbreaking reality for many families. Since October is Substance Abuse Prevention Month, let’s explore the landscape of teen drinking and drug use and the steps you can take to guide your child through this challenge. Understanding the Roots of Teen Substance Abuse Why do some adolescents turn to drugs? This behavior doesn’t happen a vacuum. From the whirlwind of peer pressure to curiosity about the unknown, numerous factors entice teens into the world of substance abuse. For some, family history may predispose them to addiction, while fo ..read more

October shines a spotlight on a prevalent but often misunderstood condition – attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Celebrating ADHD Awareness Month aims to amplify understanding, dispel myths, and champion the countless people navigating life with this unique form of neurodivergence. At The Forum, we’re proud to be part of this conversation, guiding families and teens through the intricacies of ADHD. Understanding ADHD: More Than Just Restlessness At its core, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting attention regulation, impulse control, and activity levels. However, it’s essentia ..read more

From tablets to smartphones, bright screens dominate our world. While these devices have undeniably made our lives more connected and convenient, they’ve also sparked a longstanding debate – how much screen time is too much, especially for our kids? The Growing Concern of Technology Addiction In his enlightening book, Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction is Hijacking Our Kids and How to Break the Trance, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras presents a bold analogy – excessive screen time’s neurological impact is akin to the damage caused by hardcore drug addiction. It’s a startling comparison, one that might seem ..read more

The teenage years are rife with academic challenges, emotional upheaval, and developmental changes. The pressure of transitioning from childhood to adulthood can become overwhelming. Unfortunately, suicidal ideation accompanies some adolescents on this journey. At The Forum, we aim to deepen understanding around this topic, provide clarity on its complexities, and offer guidance on how to identify and help at-risk children. Teen Suicide Statistics The reality surrounding teen suicide should be a wake-up call to all American adults. Here are a few figures from the CDC: Suicide ranks as the thi ..read more

Returning to school can be an exciting and overwhelming time for many students and their families. However, for those with learning disabilities, this transition can come with additional challenges that may hinder their ability to reach their full potential. Let’s explore some common learning disabilities, their symptoms and how they can affect students academically and socially. 1. Dyslexia Dyslexia is a language-based disability that involves challenges with reading, writing and understanding written text. Those with dyslexia have trouble recognizing and decoding words, as well as pinpointin ..read more

As summer surrenders to autumn and the new school year beckons, many students feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. For some, this unease centers on one specific concern – test anxiety. At The Forum, we believe understanding the root of this anxiety and implementing effective therapeutic strategies can make all the difference. What Is Test Anxiety? Test anxiety is a type of performance anxiety students experience in academic settings, typically before or during exams. Its characteristics include intense feelings of distress or fear of failing, even if the student is well-prepared. The warn ..read more

Teen mental health is a significant concern in America today, and it’s more critical than ever that parents and caregivers understand its various facets. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the prevalence of mental illnesses among adolescents, the issues associated with teen mental health and how you can get your child help if necessary. Prevalence of Mental Illnesses Among Adolescents According to the National Institute of Mental Health, just over 20% of U.S. adolescents have had a mental disorder at some point. Mental illnesses among teens can manifest in several ways and be severely disrupt ..read more

Though summer is the perfect season for adolescents to explore, grow and foster new interests, teenagers are notoriously hard to please. What are some ways to keep 13-, 14- and 15-year-olds active and engaged while school’s out? How can you find activities that will resonate with them and not be another thing to dismiss? Here, we’ll explore a wide range of fun-filled summer activities for teenagers. The Benefits of Stepping Outside the Digital World Electronic devices have an inescapable allure for adolescents. While devices like smartphones and laptops are beneficial for schoolwork, entertain ..read more