We asked teens from around the United States to anonymously send us questions that they would like to be answered by a mental health professional. Below, Vicki Harrison, MSW, Program Director for Stanford Psychiatry’s Center for Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing, thoughtfully answers some of these questions. 1. How do you approach someone you think needs help? Start by listening…

We asked teens from around the United States to anonymously send us questions that they would like to be answered by a mental health professional. Below, Maryam Kia-Keating, Ph.D., a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), thoughtfully answers many of these questions. 1. What’s the best path to take to help mental health? If you…

As an avid gamer, I’m very familiar with the all-too-common phrases from parents about my gaming habits. From Mom telling me to “put my Nintendo away and go outside” to Dad worrying that “I should be spending more time with friends.” …

Thirteen-year-old Kayla is dragged away from her social media by the interruption of her father’s voice at the dinner table. Dad is trying to connect but Kayla rejects him, preferring the world inside her phone. At first glance, this scene in the 2018 film Eighth Grade feeds into common stereotypes…

As someone who has been fascinated with superheroes since elementary school, I am amazed at the explosion of superhero media (cartoons, live-action shows, and films) since the mid-90s. As a scholar, I find myself considering how this boom may be partially related to the core features of superhero narratives-features that…

As the world grapples with the ongoing devastation of climate change coupled with a global pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we turn to science for answers and solutions. …

Media content has the power to shape perceptions and views on a mass scale. Unfortunately, media portrayals of youth in foster care are often negative and perpetuate unhelpful stereotypes. …

You may have heard the old saying, “Wisdom is something that comes with age”, and while there is truth to this, children and adolescents can develop wisdom as well. According to Dr. Thomas Plante, a professor of psychology at Santa Clara University, wisdom involves the active process of reflection and…

Elsa had a point: How developing the ability to “let it go” can help youth to cope and maintain social relationships It’s more than just a catchy Disney tune; the ability to let it go — where “it” is whatever , , or any other form of wrongdoing has taken…